Question
Mr. Creed,
Please help me with my corn plant. I will e-mail photo separately. It has been in this pot for about a year and a half. It thrives in the summer months on our three season porch. We brought it in the house in Oct. The window in the photo faces south. It did well for the first 45 days or so, but started having pale leaves and flaccid branches toward the top. The top was nice and full, but I've had to cut the bad ones out. From something I read I concluded we should cut back on the watering(from once per week to every other week)and nothing has changed. I had to cut back one of the 2" branches yesterday, and it was soft and pink inside. I was given this mature plant 4 years ago and I'd hate to lose it.
Thank You,
Chris (MN)

Answer
Hi Chris,

Thanks for sending me a photo. Without the photo I would have assumed that you had correctly identified your plant as a corn plant. It is a Yucca and it has different requirements than a corn plant.

Your Yucca has not gotten enough light. That is why the stems are weak and leaning over. In addition, the pot is too large and that means it takes a very long time for the soil to dry out properly. There is a good chance that the roots have started to rot.

I suggest that you cut the tallest stem back to just above where it emerges from the fatter cane to which it ts attached. If the roots are still healthy, then new growth will emerge just below where you make the cut.

When you have it inside, be sure to keep it immediately in front of the south window and that the window is completely uncovered during the daylight hours. Allow the top third of the soil to dry out in between waterings.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC