Trimming My Cornstalk Plant

The Dracena massangeana, or cornstalk plant, is a showy, fast-growing, common houseplant that needs occasional pruning to help it to grow vigorously and look fresh. The plant comes from South America in long, thick canes that are packed for export without their foliage. Canes are often planted in pots in small groupings of two or three. After being planted in soil, the canes sprout heads, which go on to become long, tongue-like, shiny green leaves with yellow stripes down the center. As the plants continue to grow very tall, the original leaves on the bottom turn brown and the plant needs trimming to remain healthy.

Scissors
Sharp knife
Small hand saw
Sprayer bottle
Water
Soft cloth

Instructions

General Trimming
- 1
  Cut brown tips off leaves at the bottom to preserve the remainder of the leaf.
- 2
  Remove dead leaves at the bottom of the plant by carefully cutting them with a sharp knife or with scissors near the stem.
- 3
  Wipe leaves down with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- 4
  Spray the leaves with warm water several times a week to provide moisture. Increase the rate of spraying to once daily during dryer winter months.
Pruning
- 5
  Look for a branch that is getting taller and thinning out at the bottom because you have removed a significant number of leaves.
- 6
  Follow the stem back down to the main cane. Cut straight across the stem about 3 to 4 inches from the main cane above where you notice a new sprout forming. Use a sharp serrated knife if the stem is thick and woody or a small hand saw. This will allow the small stem you leave behind to sprout another bushy set of leaves and give you a new plant to root.
- 7
  Root the cutting by sticking it into the soil in the same pot with the mother plant. Trim the lower leaves off the bottom of the stem before putting it in the pot.

How to Cure a Root Fungus on a Dragon Tree

How to Kill a Houseplant's Fuzzy Mold With Vinegar

Indoor Growing

Trimming My Cornstalk Plant

Instructions

General Trimming

Pruning