Corn Plant (Dracaena) Brown Leaf Tips: Watering, Light & Water Quality

Diagnosing Brown Tips on Your Corn Plant

Sue's corn plant (Dracaena massangeana) has brown leaf bottoms. She wonders if it's over/underwatering or light issues.

Care Essentials from Darlene

• Light: Low-light plant; keeps narrow profile with height.
• Watering: Water around each cane (roots are near canes). Check whole pot—each cane uses water differently.
• Signs of dehydration: Wrinkling on green stem at cane junction → crinkled foliage → possible cane rot.
• Overwatering signs: Spots on new growth, yellow halos on leaf tips.
• Tap water issue: Chlorine/fluoride cause leaf discoloration. Let water sit 24 hrs in open bucket before use.
• Support: Canes become top-heavy; wedge small object between cane and pot. Never lift by canes—damages roots.

Be careful not to overwater. Root damage from any cause leads to leaf discoloration.