Question
I received my mass cane( i believe it is a corn plant) as a gift from the office i worked at so I am not sure when it was last repotted. But I need help because I am not sure how to take care of it. I had a friend taking care of it for me while i was in between apts and it does not look like it is doing too good. The plant is about 4 feet tall.  I set it up near my living room bay window so it can get some light but not in the direct sunlight. The leaves on the top look beautiful  but some of the leaves underneath those are getting spots on them, they are losing the bright greenish color and a few of the leaves are brown and crinkly. I was going to cut the brown off but im worried because im not sure how to cut them right? I need to know how often do i need to water this plant? How often do i need to repot it? Does it need a special plant food? And i noticed that the leaves get dusty. Will i hurt the plant if i wipe the leaves with a damp paper towel? Also Im not sure if this is just for decoration but someone at my job had put some sort of dry moss like stuff over the soil. Do i need to keep this on it or is it just for decoration? If you can help it would be greatly appreciated. This is a beatiful plant and I want to know how to take care of it properly. Thank you so much

Answer
Hi Janice,

It sounds like you have your corn plant (Massangeana cane) in a good location with lots of bright indirect light. Be sure to leave the window uncovered during the daylight hours.

Corn plants rarely if ever need repotting, so don't even think about doing that.

It is best to water a corn plant only when the soil feels dry a quarter of the way down into the pot. Then water it slowly all over the surface of the soil until a bit trickles through the bottom drainage holes, Then don't water again until the top quarter of the soil is dry.

If your water is on the hard side, use filtered or distilled instead.

The leaf spots are from irregular watering or possibly from roots that have wandered out of the drainage holes. If the latter is true, then simply cut off those stray roots.

Any discolored leaves can be trimmed off in part or completely. No matter how you trim the leaves, it will not affect the health of the plant. Trimming is only about making the plant look nicer, so remove what you think looks unpleasant.

Plant food is unnecessary and I suggest you not use any.

Wiping the leaves clean is a good idea. Use plain water or soap and water. If you like shiny leaves you can add a little mineral oil to the water.

The dry moss was put there as a decorative top dressing. It has no purpose other than decorative. If you like it, leave it. If not, discard it.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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