Air Layering a Tall Corn Plant to Reduce Height and Fill Empty Stem Space

Teresa's 6-foot corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) hits the ceiling. Two arms grow from an old cut. She wants to eliminate the bare lower stem or fill the space. Pot is 12+ inches, plant in kitchen corner with low light, watered when leaves droop.

Expert Answer: Air layer the two arms, then pot them in the same pot with fresh soil (2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite). Cut the original trunk to just above soil, remove its roots, trim root ball to 1/3–1/2 pot space, and repot with the two air-layered plants at different heights (e.g., 4 and 5 feet). The original roots will sprout a new arm. Air layering instructions with photos: Iowa State Extension. Roots form in 4–6 weeks; use clear plastic to monitor.