Question
I've had my corn plant approximately 15 years.  The stalk of this plant is no more than 3/4" thick.  It seems to be a little "top heavy" and the stalk grew at a slight bend. I've recently repotted this plant and anchored it to try and straighten it somehow.  The plant is thriving, but I was wondering if I should cut the stalk to get it to thicken, or let it go?

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Thin stems result from less than optimal light. So increased light is the only way to get thicker stems.

Stem bending can be caused by a plant's tendency to grow in the direction of the light source. If you don't rotate a plant on its axis regularly, then it will grow and lean toward the light. Rotation is the solution to that problem.

Sometimes stems will lean because they are no longer completely upright in the pot. In that case, you can firmly push the stem past the vertical (in the opposite direction) and pack the soil in tight in the space vacated by the stem. This will usually get it back to vertical and eliminate the lean.

Tall, thin plants are often top heavy and lean no matter what you do. For these plants it is best to prune them back. The pruning will not make the stems any thicker, but it will take some of the weight off of the top. New growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the cut. Where you make the cut is up to you and how short you want the plant to be. The pruned off section can be rooted in the soil at the base of the plant.

You will note that I have not mentioned repotting as a solution. That is what lots of people try, but it usually doesn't help and it can lead to inadvertent overwatering. So be very careful not to overwater now that you have repotted.

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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