How to Grow and Care for Corn Plants

We'll lead you through each stege of the procedure, from picking the ideal soil and lighting conditions [1] to trimming and propagation. To assist you in troubleshoting any problems that could emerge, we'll also address some frequently asked questions.

Flower Color	White, yellow
Sun Exposure	Partial
Soil Type	Moist, well-draining, loamy
Bloom Time	Late fall and then again in late spring; nighttime bloomer
Botanical Name	Dracaena fragrans
Common Names	Corn plant, dracaena, false palm
Plant Type	Broadleaf, evergreen, shrub/tree
Family	Asparagaceae
Native Area	Africa (tropics)
Soil pH	6.1 to 6.5 (Acidic)
Mature Size	15–50 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide outdoors; container-grown plants can grow up to 6 ft. tall
Hardiness Zones	10–12 (USDA)

Corn (Zea mays) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world, with a global production of over 1 billion metric tons in 2020. Corn plants belong to the grass family (Poaceae) and have several types that differ in their morphology, physiology, and uses. Some of the main types of corn plants are:

• Dent corn: This type has kernels with a dent or depression at the crown, caused by the shrinkage of the soft starch during drying. Dent corn is mainly used for animal feed, ethanol production, and industrial products such as starch and oil.
• Flint corn: This type has kernels with a hard and smooth outer layer, which protects them from pests and diseases. Flint corn is also known as Indian corn or ornamental corn, and is used for decoration, popcorn, and some traditional dishes in Latin America.
• Sweet corn: This type has kernels with a high sugar content, which makes them sweet and juicy. Sweet corn is harvested before maturity, when the kernels are still milky and tender. Sweet corn is consumed fresh, canned, or frozen, and is a popular vegetable in many cuisines.
• Popcorn: This type has kernels with a thin and hard outer layer, which traps moisture inside. When heated, the moisture turns into steam and causes the kernel to explode, creating a fluffy and crunchy snack. Popcorn is usually seasoned with salt, butter, cheese, or caramel, and is enjoyed as a snack or dessert.
• Waxy corn: This type has kernels with a high amylopectin content, which gives them a waxy appearance and texture. Waxy corn is mainly grown in China and Southeast Asia, where it is used for food products such as noodles, dumplings, and soups.

Choose the Right Soil

Corn plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by combining equal parts peat moss [2], perlite, and vermiculite. Alternatively, craft your custom mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This ensures your corn plants receive the right balance of aeration and moisture retention for healthy root development.

Provide Adequate Light

Corn plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can also tolerate low light conditions, but this may slow down growth. Avoid direct sunlight [3], as this can scorch the leaves. Providing appropriate light is key to the success of your corn plants. They flourish in bright, indirect light that mimics their natural habitat. While corn plants are adaptable to low light environments, keep in mind that this may slow down their growth. Strive for a balance by placing your plant where it receives filtered sunlight. Shield it from direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf scorching. Achieving this balanced light exposure will contribute to lush foliage and robust growth.

Water Regularly

Achieving the right watering balance is crucial for the health of your corn plants. Aim for consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Monitor the top inch of the soil; when it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot. When you water, do so thoroughly, until you see water escaping from the drainage holes. This practice encourages deep root growth and prevents the formation of standing water.

Fertilize Monthly

Corn plants benefit immensely from a regular feeding schedule. During the growing season, which spans from spring to fall, fertilize your plant once a month. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. This routine nourishment supports vibrant foliage and robust growth. Remember, moderation is key; avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup and harm the plant. A consistent and measured approach to fertilization will contribute to a healthy and thriving corn plant.

Propagating corn plants is a process of creating new plants from existing ones. Corn plants can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds are the most common method, but they require a long growing season and may not produce plants identical to the parent. Cuttings are pieces of stem or leaf that are placed in moist soil or water to root. Cuttings can produce plants that are identical to the parent, but they may not root well or survive transplanting. Division is a method of separating the roots of a mature plant into smaller sections, each with its own stem and leaves. Division can produce many new plants quickly, but it may damage the parent plant or reduce its vigor.

If you want to grow corn from seed, you need to choose a type of corn that suits your climate and soil, such as sweet corn, dent corn, or flint corn. You also need to prepare your garden by enriching the soil with nitrogen and manure, and choosing a location with full sun. The best time to plant corn is between May and June, when the soil temperature is above 65ºF (18ºC). Plant the seeds one inch deep and six inches apart in rows that are 24 to 30 inches apart. Water well after planting and thin the seedlings to one plant every 12 to 24 inches when they are four inches tall. Enjoy your fresh corn in summer!

Potting and repotting corn plants is an important part of their care, as it ensures that they have enough space and nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Here are some steps to follow when repotting your corn plant:

 

1. Choose a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with around 2 inches of space between the roots and the sides of the pot. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and a saucer to catch excess water.

 

2. Fill the new pot with a loose, loamy potting soil mix that drains well. You can also add some perlite or vermiculite to improve the drainage. Moisten the soil slightly before adding the plant.

 

3. Lay the plant and its old pot on their side and gently slide the plant out of the pot. Examine the root ball and trim any damaged, dead or rotting roots with clean scissors or pruners.

 

4. Place the plant in the center of the new pot and spread the roots evenly. Add more soil around the plant until it is firmly in place and the soil level is about an inch below the rim of the pot.

 

5. Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. Remove any excess water from the saucer and place the plant in a bright location with filtered sunlight. Repot your corn plant every year or two, or when you notice signs of root-bound such as slowed growth, visible roots, difficulty watering or yellowing leaves. Repotting will help your corn plant thrive and produce lush foliage.

Corn plants are popular houseplants that can also suffer from some common problems. Here are some of the issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

Yellow leaves

Overwatering, underwatering, and exposure to extreme cold or heat can all contribute to this. Examine the soil's moisture content, then alter your watering plan as necessary. Get your plant out of the path of heaters, drafts, and direct sunshine. To make your plant seem better, you can trim off the yellow leaves.

Brown leaves

If you overwater your plant or use contaminated equipment, this may be brought on by bacterial or fungal diseases. Trim off and discard the damaged stems and leaves. Before reusing your pots and equipment, sterilize them. Improve the air circulation around your plant and refrain from sprinkling water on the foliage.

Leaves falling off

Stress-related factors, such as abrupt changes in temperature, light, or humidity, may be the cause of this. Avoid moving your plant too frequently and try to keep it in a stable setting. To raise the humidity, you may also routinely spray your plant. If just the bottom leaves drop off, it's usual for corn plants to do so as they become older, so don't be alarmed.

Stem rot

This can be caused by soft rot bacteria that enter through wounds or cuts on the stem. The stem will become mushy, smelly, and blackened. There is no cure for this disease, so you will have to discard your plant and start over with a new one.

Why are my corn plant's leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Check the soil moisture and fertilization schedule, and adjust as needed.

How often should I repot my corn plant?

Corn plants don't need to be repotted very often. You can wait until the plant becomes root-bound or until the soil starts to break down, which usually takes two to three years.

Can I propagate my corn plant?

Yes, corn plants can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem with a few leaves attached, and place it in a jar of water until roots develop. Then, plant the cutting in soil and care for it as you would a mature plant. The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Lighting conditions - Federal Trade Commission
2. Peat moss - NATIONAL MINERALS INFORMATION CENTER
3. Direct sunlight - National Library of Medicine