Corn Plant Brown Tips: Light, Pot Size, and Water Quality

Reader's Issue: Yellow/Brown Edges on 5-ft Corn Plant

Cindy's large corn plant (5 ft) develops yellow then brown leaf edges/tips. Waters weekly; soil feels dry before watering. Uses fireplace heat—wonders if low humidity is the cause.

Expert Diagnosis: Not Humidity

Will Creed: Symptoms stem from inadequate light, improper watering, or root damage—not low humidity.

Corrective Actions

• Light: Bright indirect—close to north/east window or within 6–7 ft of south window.
• Pot size: Corn plants have small root systems. A 5-ft plant belongs in a 10″ pot max. Larger pots retain excess moisture → root rot.
• Watering: Water only when top ¼ of soil feels dry. Use filtered/distilled water if tap is hard.
• Fertilizer: Max once every 2–3 months at half strength.

Free Article

Will offers Corn Plant care article via email: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.