Mass Cane (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana') Damage from Pet Bird

Claire's pet bird ripped off lower leaves and chewed the bark of her mass cane plant. She wondered if new leaves would grow from the damaged trunk.

Growth Pattern

New growth on a mass cane only emerges from the top of the stem. Lower leaves and stem scars are permanent – they won't be replaced.

Options

1. Leave it: The plant will continue growing upward from the top. New growth should be healthy.
2. Cut the stem below the damage: This forces new growth to emerge just below the cut, but leaves a bare stem until foliage returns.

Follow-Up

Claire later reported that partially chewed leaves on the other side were dying. Damaged leaves should be trimmed off – they won't recover. If the stem wound is deep, the entire stem may die. A photo would help assess severity.