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How To Save A Dying Corn Plant? 9 Easy Ways!

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The satisfaction of witnessing a blooming corn plant bloom is indescribable. It is a tough and adaptable plant that can thrive in any environment. The corn plant is frequently the first choice when it comes to house plants due to its tolerance for neglect.

However, you may be disappointed if you find your plant’s leaves becoming brown, yellow, or other colors. Having a once-blooming plant suddenly die is not something a gardener wants to deal with regularly. Therefore, learning how to save a dying corn plant is crucial.

At the peak of its bloom, the corn plant’s sword-like green leaves are among the first things to notice. When choosing ideal house plants to grow, it is frequently at the number one spot for many people.

This is due to its natural tolerance, strength, and versatility. You usually expect the lush foliage to decorate your living space for seasons when you grow a corn plant.

How To Save A Dying Corn Plant 1
Bought this dying Dracaena Marginata from Home Depot. Any tips on pruning and care? – via Reddit

A Guide on How To Save A Dying Corn Plant

It’s hard to see a corn plant dying, but sometimes they need help to live. This article will teach how to save a dying corn plant. So your corn plant is looking kind of droopy- it turns yellow, and the leaves start turning upwards before falling off.

Sound familiar? No need to be worried! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a healthier, happier corn plant in no time.

If your corn plant is droopy but still green on the stem, it’s probably just faking. Roots sent out some new leaves while trying to keep the corn plant upright, and it’s barely hanging on.

Don’t worry! It’s not dying, and all you need to do is give it some breathing room and move its stalk around- don’t let it lean against other plants because the weight of the leaves will only make things worse.

Give It Light And Water

Corn plants like light, but not too much. Find a spot that gets lots of natural sunlight throughout the day, like on your windowsill or directly into a window (with no shade or curtains). If you don’t have enough space for that, try an artificial plant lamp.

Expose the plants to indirect sunlight. Too little sunlight might be harmful to their development. A symptom of underexposure to light is if the leaves start to lose their color variegation. Growth is impeded as a result.

Make sure the soil is moist by watering it well- if it’s still droopy, it probably needs more water. When your corn plant is droopy because it’s dry, it’ll usually plump up again once you water it. Ensure the soil is moist, not wet and soggy (or too dry).

Cut Off The Dying Parts

Cut off the dying parts with gardening shears or a sharp knife once it starts to perk back up. Make sure you cut close to the stem, so there are no leaves trapped in between- be careful when you do this!

And don’t worry about cutting too much off. Sometimes cutting some of the leaves helps the plant recover faster.

Repot It!

Once your corn plant is doing better and has been standing up for a week or two, it’s time to consider replanting it in another pot or outside (if you live in an area where they can survive outdoors).

If you’re planting it outside, make sure the soil is moist before placing it in your garden. Don’t forget to give it some more water- corn plants still need lots of love even after they’ve recovered!

Roots should not be immersed in too much water, which can cause root rot; thus, the pot should have proper drainage via drilled holes.

In terms of soil, loamy potting soil with a loose texture is ideal for growth. The soil’s looseness is required for drainage and airflow.

Use Soil Fertilizer

Corn plants are hardy and will come back from anything if you give them the right conditions. But if you want to make it easier for your plant, try using a special soil fertilizer called corn plant food.

Corn plants are picky about what they eat, so make sure you only use this when necessary- too much can kill them!

Proper Humidity and Temperature 

Corn plants can thrive in temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s Fahrenheit. The humidity should be moderately high, so use a humidifier or place it in a room with lots of steamy water vapor (sometimes called kitchen science).

Keep it away from heaters and fireplaces because too much heat will dry out its leaves.

How To Save A Dying Corn Plant 3
HELP DYING DRACAENA “Corn Plant” – via Reddit

Support The Stalk

The corn plant is droopy because it can’t support itself. The stalk is too weak to hold the weight of the leaves, and they start drooping when they can’t get enough water or nutrients.

If you have an unsteady corn plant, the best thing to do is support it. Put some sticks or toothpicks in the pot, so they keep the stalk in an upright position. If it’s a young corn plant, you can remove the bent leaves, and they should flower again in a season or two.

Pruning Back And Trimming Up

You don’t have to prune back your corn plant, but it will grow much faster when you do. If you want bigger leaves, cut off the shoots when they are about 6 inches high (or whatever size you prefer). The more shots you get, the more leaves your corn plant will grow.

Cut Off The Flowers

You may have noticed flower buds popping up from your plant’s stalk- don’t worry, they won’t make your corn plant die or anything! The flowers are lovely, and you should feel proud that your corn plant is healthy enough to produce them.

But if you want your corn plant to keep growing, cut off the flowers before they open. That way, your corn plant will put more energy into growing leaves and shoots instead of reproduction!

Watch Out For Aphids And Other Insects

Aphids are small green or black insects that live in colonies on the underside of specific parts of a corn plant’s leaves. They suck the sap out of the plant and can leave yellow spots on your corn plant’s leaves. If you find any, use an organic insecticide or a squeegee to get rid of them.

Every time a new leaf emerges from your corn plant’s stalk, it replaces an old leaf.

You can tell which leaves are new and which ones are old by their color: if a leaf is green, that means it’s still alive and fresh- but if it turns yellowish or brown, that means it has died. Your corn plant will keep producing new leaves until the very end!


Final Remarks

Corn plants are really pretty and require very little care to grow, but they still need your attention. Make sure you check the soil every few weeks to avoid getting too dry or too wet.

If you ever notice any bugs in your plant, use insecticidal soap spray immediately. And most importantly, set a reminder on your calendar to water it every day!

Even if you forget to give your plant its daily drink, it will be okay if it isn’t completely dried out. Now that you know how to save a dying corn plant, you should be able to keep it thriving for years. Enjoy your gorgeous, green corn plant!