Question
My 28 year old mature corn plan has been cut down to its wood base which is about 5 feet tall.  There is a flourishing cutting planted with it along with flourishing cuttings potted all over the house.  

But having totally over pruned it, I now need to get the main stalk to put out new shoots and leaves. So I have the following questions:  

1) How far down do I need to cut the mature stalk to get new shoots/leaves to grow?

2)Do I need to put any material over the area that is cut?
I noticed that there is some sort of covering on the main stalk where it was cut many years ago.

3) What is best equipment to use to cut the wood stalk.  It is thick, my hand does not reach fully around it.

Your help and advice are very much appreciated as I have had this plant for 28 years and am very attached to it.

Thanks so much!

Tracy  

Answer
Hi Tracy,
The main stalk of your corn plant should sprout new growth without you doing anything. It may take some time but it should happen. Just be sure to give it a little extra TLC, medium light and cut back on watering a bit. If it doesn't sprout new growth in a few weeks let me know. I had a stem take 3 months to sprout, it didn't sprout new growth until the plant went into it's active growing cycle.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy