Question
I have a 4+ foot high corn plant of indeterminate age (I rescued it from neglect 7 years ago) which sprouted two fairly healthy crowns from the lower 'stump' a couple of years ago.  I was shocked to find a quickly growing flower 'spike' with small under-developed leaves growing out of the top of the largest crown.  

This concerns me because I don't know if allowing this spike to remain, I'm risking the life span of the plant.  

Shall I let it go ~~ or clip it off?

Thank you

Answer
Hi Donna,

The corn plant flower will not in any way jeopardize the health or life of your plant. It will emit a very sweet odor that some people fing cloying. It will also make a sticky mess after the petals start to dry. The odor and the mess are the only reasons to remove the flower spike.

Corn plants often flower when they are quite old and have been in the same pot and location for a long time. Once they reach the flowering stage it is quite common for them to flower every year and sometimes twice per year thereafter.

For that reason the flowering of a corn plant is a sign of horticultural success. Most people never see these flowers because they cannot keep their plants healthy for that long.

Congratulations to you! Now take some photos and impress your friends and relatives.

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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