Question
I have had this Massangeana Cane for 3 years now.  Recently, many of the leaves have started to turn brown which has never happened before.  Could it need to be re-potted or fertilized?  What kind of fertilizer would I use?

Answer
Hi Linda,

Browning leaves on a Massangeana cane is a general symptom that occurs most commonly when light or water are a problem. A photo showing the entire plant including the brown leaves might help me better determine the extent of the damage and the best course of action. My e-mail address is below if you are able to send e-mail photos.

A certain amount of lower leaf browning is normal as a plant ages, so it may not be a problem at all.

If new leaves are discolored, that is usually because there is a watering problem.

Corn plant rarely need repotting, although a photo will help me determine if that is true with yours. If there are roots wandering out of the drainage holes and there is a mass of orange roots at the bottom of the rootball, then it may be necessary to remove those roots and add an inch of soil to the bottom of the existing pot.

Fertilizer will not help. In fact, too much fertilizer is more likely to cause leaf Browning than too little fertilizer.

If your tap water is on the hard side, switch to filtered, distilled, or rainwater.

Corn plant are best watered when the the top quarter of the soil feels dry to the touch.

Sometimes too little light can be a problem. Place yours in a location that receives very bright but indirect light.

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

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

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