please help my corn plant

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by owl42, Oct 3, 2024.

  1. owl42

    owl42 New Member

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    my corn plant was in a office setting, with no sunlight. it started getting blotchy spots on its leaves. it spread to more leaves. I brought it back home, trying to help her! Now she has small spots on the outer edges of leaves. i cut off damaged leaves, and cut off top hoping to propagate, now im seeing these leaves getting spots too. please help.

    took more photos of corn plant leaves
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 4, 2024
  2. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Welcome to the Forums. I don't know what the problem is but I can offer some thoughts. Have a look through the document at the bottom of the post. Take note, in particular, of parts pertaining to D. deremensis. You may get some ideas.

    It looks like the photos are of two different plants, one growing outside and one inside. The problem seems to be mostly in the oldest leaves. Is it a case where new growth is healthy but gradually becomes affected over time?
    • Be sure the soil pH is in the proper range and take action if necessary.
    • You may want to experiment with the quality of the water being used to irrigate the plant. If there's a high level of chlorine in the water, keep the water in a milk jug overnight to allow it to escape before using.
    • Avoid exposing the plant to drafts which have a drying effect on the foliage which can result in necrotic areas.
    Any changes you make will not alter the existing damage. Look for an improvement in the new growth that the plant produces.

    Reference: Dracaena Production Guide
     
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  3. Sulev

    Sulev Contributor

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    This is the same plant on each photo.

    What is the size of the container?
    When did you up potted it?
    My guesstimate - rootbound.
     
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2024
  4. owl42

    owl42 New Member

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    thank you! i really appreciate any advice not ready to give up on her yet. i will check the soil, repot. I'm thinking they watered her with city water. ( chemicals) i did cut top off, remove damaged leaves, and put in water to root. will update once i get gone. yes, this is one plant. the one outside was the piece i cut off. how do i check for the ph?
     
  5. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    You may be able to find out whether the water in your community is served with soft or hard water. That should give you an rough idea of what pH you are dealing with. If you are going to repot, you may want to replace much of the existing soil, thus eliminating any accumulation of salts.
     
  6. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Come to think of it, your local extension office may be able to give you information on the area's water quality. Also, it wouldn't hurt to ask them about what's afflicting your plant.
     
  7. owl42

    owl42 New Member

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    ok, Thank you!!! I'll repot her today. I'm trying really hard to save it. it was givin to my daughter 13 years ago. when one of her twins passed away. i have kept it then. Except for a couple years..i donated to a lab office. ( no sunlight) it seemed to like it, until about maybe 1 yr ago.
    i think thts when it started getting tan. blotches on her. I'll repot her and buy some distilled water for now, until I can check with the extension office.
    Again, thank you so much for your help.
     
  8. Pankaj Rajpali

    Pankaj Rajpali New Member

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    It sounds like your corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) might be suffering from a combination of stress from the office environment and possible overwatering or lack of adequate light. When plants are kept in low-light conditions for an extended period, they can become weak and susceptible to various diseases, which could explain the blotchy spots.

    Here’s what you can do to help your plant recover:

    1. Light: Place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives best in moderate light, so avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
    2. Watering: Be cautious not to overwater. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, as Dracaenas are sensitive to root rot.
    3. Humidity: Increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a tray with water and pebbles. Dry air can worsen the spots on the leaves.
    4. Check for Pests: Inspect the plant for any pests like spider mites or scale, which can cause spotting. If found, treat with insecticidal soap.
    5. Soil: Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil. Repotting into fresh soil can help if you suspect root rot or poor drainage.
    Since you’ve already cut off the damaged leaves and tried to propagate, keep monitoring the new growth. It may take some time for the plant to fully bounce back.

    Thanks!
     
  9. owl42

    owl42 New Member

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    i want to thank everyone for their great advice to help me, with my corn plant!!!
    1. did repot her. yes she was root bound.
    2. im going to wait a couple days before i water her. let her settle down.
    3. still currled leaves, hopefully she will settle down.
    4. can i give her a shot of miracle grow now???
     
  10. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    The plant should be watered immediately after repotting. Fertilize at half strength at sign of new growth.
     
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