Question
Hi, I have a corn tree that I have had for about ten years and recently it's not do very well. It's shot very tall but leaves are sparse at the top but still green. The base (stalk) of the plant is peeling off. I would like to replant this and see if newer fuller leaves will start growing by spring. How would go abou this. Do you cut it of at a certain point??? It's in front of a window that the blinds stay shut all the time and has done well until now. It's too tall for the stalk to hold. Thank you for any advice. Renee  

Answer
Hi Renee,

The reason your corn plant is not doing well is that it does not get enough light. You must open the blinds at least part way during the daylight hours. If the bark is peeling away from the woody cane that is because that cane is dead and will not produce any healthy growth in the future.

You can prune off the healthy top portion at just about any point aong the stem. Strip off the lower leaves of this cut portion and then root it in water or in damp potting soil. If given good light and kept in a small pot, it might grow about a foot or so by next spring.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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