Corn plant, pending disaster :(

10 years ago

Hi guys, I recently posted about my sad corn plant and it is getting worse. I am after tips to bring it back from certain death. One stalk looks great, the small one has never grown much and the large one is black like death. After a lot of reading I believe it's most likely rot from over watering in the winter.

Last week I tested the soil and it was 4.5 so I added some dolomite lime to bring it back towards neutral, I have moved it closer to the north east facing window that it was near.

It is close to the end of winter here (South Australia). I don't know whether to leave it and see if the middle stalk doing well survives, or to repot. I have inserted some tissue in the bottom and noted a small amount of moisture coming out after a few hours, nothing much though.

I have bought, pinebark, perlite and peat moss to try out the gritty mix maybe if I was too repot but I am unsure of measurements or where to start.

Any help saving this poor thing from death is very appreciated.

Featured Answer

Vance Evans

10 years ago

Hey Nick, sorry for the late reply. I'm going to see if Al can help you out.

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Comments (6)

Nick M
Original Author
10 years ago
Anyone???
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
10 years ago
I think most are having the same sad thought I am, this plant is dead. You may be able to save the tops with leaves by cutting them off. You'll know more after cutting. If the inside where cut is a healthy light green/white color, there's hope. I've always stuck Drac. cuttings right into soil, haven't had one fail (when starting with healthy material.)
mat68046
10 years ago
seal the wounds with wax you can even root the stem cuttings, and the base plant may bounce back with some good TLC
Nick M
Original Author
10 years ago
After no reply here for a week, I decided to cut the top of the big stalk off just under the two branches that were black with a saw at a slight angle. Where the cut is has developed a white growth across it (mold??).

The smaller middle stalk and branches is still very green and healthy looking.

Not sure whether to remove the big stalk from this pot or just leave it be.
tete_a_tete
10 years ago
To me, the plant looks pretty good.

Just cut that taller bit off right down low, or until you find that the stem looks healthy inside (IF you find that it looks healthy).

Why is the pH so low?