What Happens When a Corn Plant Flowers Indoors?
Corn plants (Dracaena fragrans) are popular houseplants known for their glossy, corn-like leaves. While they’re not typically known for their flowers, it’s not uncommon for corn plants to bloom indoors, especially if they’re mature and healthy.
Why Do Corn Plants Flower Indoors?
There’s no specific reason why corn plants bloom indoors, but it’s generally a sign of maturity and vitality. When a corn plant reaches a certain level of health and vigor, it may produce flowers as a way to reproduce. Indoors, this can happen at any time of year, but some outdoor growers report that their corn plants are more likely to bloom during cooler weather.
What Do Corn Plant Flowers Look Like?
Corn plant flowers are unique and eye-catching. They start as tall green stalks with a central cone of buds that resemble young ears of corn. As the buds mature, they transform into short stems topped with round clusters of long, slender buds.
When the buds open, they curl back to reveal spiky flower petals that are typically white with pale yellow anthers. The flowers have a slightly sweet, fragrant scent that can permeate an entire room. Interestingly, the flowers only open near sunset or after dark.
What to Do When Your Corn Plant Blooms
When your corn plant blooms, it’s not necessary to take any specific action. You can enjoy the flowers as they are, or you can cut the flowering stalk and place it in water to enjoy its fragrance for a few days. Some people find the scent of corn plant flowers to be too strong, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
If you choose to cut the flowering stalk, you can support it with a stake or tie it to a nearby object to prevent it from drooping.
Is a Corn Plant Flower a Sign of Good Health?
Yes, a corn plant flower is a sign that the plant is healthy and thriving. It takes significant energy for a corn plant to produce flowers, so it’s an indication that the plant is receiving the right amount of light, water, and nutrients.
How Often Do Corn Plants Bloom Indoors?
Corn plants bloom much less frequently indoors than outdoors. Some growers with mature plants older than five years report blooms every few years, while others never see blooms at all. It’s a variable situation that depends on the individual plant and its growing conditions.
How to Encourage Corn Plant Flowering Indoors
While there’s no guaranteed way to make a corn plant bloom indoors, there are a few things you can do to increase the chances:
- Provide bright, indirect light: Corn plants prefer bright, indirect light, so place your plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light without direct sunlight.
- Water regularly: Corn plants need regular watering, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Fertilize monthly: Fertilize your corn plant monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Repot as needed: As your corn plant grows, it will need to be repotted into a larger pot with fresh soil. Repotting helps to provide the plant with the nutrients and space it needs to thrive.
- Keep the humidity high: Corn plants prefer humid environments, so you can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly or placing it on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Troubleshooting Corn Plant Flowering Problems
If your corn plant is not blooming, there are a few possible reasons:
- The plant is not mature enough: Corn plants typically need to be at least three years old before they bloom.
- The plant is not getting enough light: Corn plants need bright, indirect light to bloom. If your plant is not getting enough light, it may not produce flowers.
- The plant is not getting enough nutrients: Corn plants need regular fertilization to produce flowers. If your plant is not getting enough nutrients, it may not bloom.
- The plant is stressed: Corn plants can be stressed by a variety of factors, such as overwatering, underwatering, or pests. If your plant is stressed, it may not bloom.
By following these tips, you can help your corn plant stay healthy and increase the chances of it blooming indoors.
