How to prune a corn plant
Dracaena fragrans
Quick answer
A corn plant usually needs no pruning. If one cane is weak or too long, shorten that stem to about 15 cm (6 in) in spring. The removed section can be used as a cutting.
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How to prune a corn plant
- 01
Choose what to remove
Target a weak cane or stem. Shorten that stem to about 15 cm (6 in) rather than cutting the leaf rosette.
Pruning is conditional for Dracaena fragrans: the plant normally needs no pruning, while shortening a weak stem can reduce that stem and provide material for propagation.
- 02
Prune at the right time
Do this stem shortening in spring. Spring is a guide, not a hard date.
- 03
Make one clean cut
Shorten a weak stem to about 15 cm (6 in). You can root the removed section as a stem cutting.
- 04
When pruning will not help
Routine pruning is not required, so do not cut a healthy corn plant simply to create a schedule. Stem condition and cultivar form determine whether the conditional cut is useful.
- 05
Care for the plant after pruning
Keep the cut section only if you plan to root it. Then continue the plant’s normal care.
All corn plant guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxLight · water · potting medium · temperature · humidity · fluoride/salts · pests
- Royal Horticultural SocietyPruning weak stems · monthly balanced feed · light and compost
- University of Florida IFAS ExtensionMedia aeration and moisture · production temperature · fertilizer and soluble salts · interiorscape care
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