Question
Hi! I have a corn plant that seems very healthy. It stands about 5' high & the leaves are all nice & green. My question is since it only has 1 sprout at the top & I'd like it to have more folliage someone told me to take a sharp knife & slash into the trunk diagonally & it will sprout from the slash. Is this true? I haven't tried it yet for fear of damaging him. Your website is wonderful. Very informative. Thank you. Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,

Thanks for the compliments on my website. I have a website designer working on an overhaul that will make it much better and will provide even better information. Stay tuned.

That technique that you described works sometimes, but sporadically. I have had limited success with it with a couple of Dracaena species. The cut has to be about one-third of the way through the stem. If you go too far, the stem will be so weakened that it may snap off. If you don't go far enough, the growth hormones will not be released.

So err on the side of caution. If you don't go far enough, the wound will heal over and you will be no worse of than when you started. But keep your expectations low as it seems to work less than half the time.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com