Question
I have an 8 foot tall corn plant that I would like to cut back and root from the cane. I am not sure how to proceed.  Is water or moist soil the best way to go?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Cynthia


Answer
Hi Cynthia,

The cane on a corn plant usually refers to the very thick, bark-covered trunk that grows up out of the soil. As a practical matter, these canes cannot be cut (you would need a saw) and successfully rooted.

However, the green stems (under an inch in diameter) that sometimes grow out of the tops of the canes and sometimes directly out of the soil can be rooted in either water or damp potting mix. I suggest the latter because sometimes the canes will rot in water before they develop roots.

I suggest that your cuttings be no more than two feet tall. The key to success is keeping the potting mix at a moisture level that is constantly damp but not wet for very long. A porous potting mix of peat moss and perlite will help in this regard.

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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