How to Prune a Mass Cane

Mass cane (Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana"), also called corn plant, is a hardy, tropical-looking foliage plant most often grown indoors. It reaches a height of 2 to 10 feet and some cultivars boast leaves with eye-catching stripes. Mass cane plants require little attention and are well suited to low-light areas of the home or office. They benefit from pruning during any season to control their size, maintain an attractive appearance and to stimulate new growth. Always use sharp pruning shears and cut growth back even with the main stem or larger branch it extends from.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Liquid houseplant fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut out dead and unattractive foliage as needed to keep the plant looking its best.

   • 2

     Prune mass cane to the desired size, but avoid cutting the plant back to a height of less than 6 inches.

   • 3

     Pinch out developing shoots as needed to maintain the desired shape.

   • 4

     Cut back the oldest, leafless stems to promote a flush of healthy growth.

   • 5

     Feed with liquid houseplant fertilizer, in the amount instructed on package directions, after pruning to provide the plant with the extra nutrients needed to support new growth.