Question
Hi Will!

We've a cornstalk plant which we moved into our new home from our apartment a month ago. It's in a corner, surrounded by 2 windows that provide southern and southeastern light. (However, the corner is a bit drafty and it's been pretty cold in south central Wisconsin these days.) The pot is 10" diameter. The plant is watered once every 2 weeks. The browning and eventual demise of the leaves was very intermittent in the fall. The amount and frequency of the leaf problem has increased in the last few weeks.

Is the plant suffering from the transition? Or are we doing something else wrong?  

Answer
Hi Linda,

The dying of lower leaves on a corn plant (Dracaena massangeana) is the plant's response to many different things.

A change in environment, particularly light, often causes older leaves to die as new ones are added that are better adapted to the light. Lots of bright, but indirect, light is generally best for corn plants.

Your corn plant's watering needs may also have changed with the new environment. Allow the top quarter of the soil to dry out in between thorough waterings.

The cold could be a problem. Corn plants do best when temps are kept above 60 degrees. Try to protect it from cold drafts.

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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