Mass Cane (Corn Plant) Care: Troubleshooting Brown Tips and Black Streaks

Question

Leaves Close up Hello Will, I saw you've answered mass cane questions before. My plant has leaf tips drying up and turning black, plus some black streaks on leaves. Bought from Home Depot 3 weeks ago. Watering Sundays with room-temp distilled water from Rite Aid. It's ~18 inches from a SW-facing window. Plastic pot 9-10" wide, no drainage holes. Still in original soil. Apartment 68-71°F. Ceiling vent nearby. Overhead light (23W eco bulb) on during cloudy days. How to not kill this plant? Thanks, Steve

Answer

Hi Steve, a few lower leaves discoloring is normal—older leaves die back as new ones emerge. If you lose more than you gain, that's a problem.

You may have too much direct sunlight. SW windows bring fair direct sun—move plant 3-6 feet away or to the side. Overhead light is redundant even on cloudy days. Temperature is fine; distilled water only needed if tap water is hard.

My main concern: the pot has no drainage holes. Excess water, mineral salts, and gases can't escape, creating toxic root conditions. Either drill several half-inch holes in the pot bottom or move to a similar-sized pot with drainage.

I've written a Corn Plant care article I'll email free to anyone requesting at wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.

Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC