The Garden Helper, Gardening on the Web since 1997 The Gardener's Forum, Gardener's Helping Others Grow Gardening information resources, planting zones, maps, charts and guides An easy to understand guide to growing and caring for House Plants What should you be doing in the garden this month? Directory of Flower Photos and much more Grandmas Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes
Willy World   Post A Reply
login | | |

  next oldest garden   next newest garden
» Willy World » Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2004 » Dracaena

   
Author Garden: Dracaena
BoothX3
Great Gardener
Member # 2853

Gnome 1 posted      Profile for BoothX3     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
My husband recently bought a Dracaena Massengeane Cane plant. I told him I would do a little research on exactly wht it was and how to care for it. I have found that it is commonly called the corn plant and that it doen't need much water or light, and to try to keep it at least at 70 degrees or warmer. It does have a few brownish colored leaves. The lady at the garden shop where he bought it said to prune them. What is the best way to do that or do I need to worry about over doing it. Also anyone with more info, I would really appreciate it. [dunno]

* * * *
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Plants: 47 | From: Dillon, Montana | Registered: Jun 2004  |  Seeded: 65.117.92.141
plantlady19
Dream Gardener
Member # 2782

Gnome 1 posted      Profile for plantlady19     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I have a couple of corn plants myself. They make a lovely and easy to care for addition to anyone's home. [Smile] As long as the few brown leaves aren't the only ones the plant has I wouldn't be concerned about pruning them. Just make sure you use clean, sharp gardening shears or scissors that are equally sharp and clean. Also you might want to invest is a spray bottle and lightly mist the plant every 2-3 days. Andy when the plant gets dustly all you need is a light water mist from the spray bottle and a soft paper towel to gently clean your plant.
Plants: 193 | From: Morehead, Ky. | Registered: Jun 2004  |  Seeded: 147.133.37.124
BoothX3
Great Gardener
Member # 2853

Gnome 1 posted      Profile for BoothX3     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thanks for the input. The lady at the garden center told my husband to rub the leaves with mayonaise. Does this really do anything for the plant, besides make the leaves look shiny? Also, does anyone know why they call it a corn plant? [Embarrassed]

* * * *
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Plants: 47 | From: Dillon, Montana | Registered: Jun 2004  |  Seeded: 65.117.92.120
plantlady19
Dream Gardener
Member # 2782

Gnome 12 posted      Profile for plantlady19     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Yes. Though strange it does make the leaves shiney. Although I'd be concerned about the mayo going bad on the leaves and making it stink. If you would really like your leaves to be shiney, most garden stores sell products to clean and shine the leaves. But for me, water is enough to get them clean. As for your other question. I believe the plant got its less than formal name of "corn plant", because its leaves are reminiscent of those found on an actual corn stalk.
Plants: 193 | From: Morehead, Ky. | Registered: Jun 2004  |  Seeded: 147.133.37.130
BoothX3
Great Gardener
Member # 2853

Gnome 1 posted      Profile for BoothX3     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
When you go to clean up some of the leaves that have started to turn brown, should I remove only the brown parts, or trim the entire leaf? [dunno]

* * * *
He who laughs last, thinks slowest.

Plants: 47 | From: Dillon, Montana | Registered: Jun 2004  |  Seeded: 65.117.92.140
Jiffymouse
guest


Gnome 1 posted            Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
i usually remove only the brown part unless is is more than 1/2 of the leaf. then, i will remove the whole leaf. it really depends on the plant, the asthetics, and my mood.
Seeded: 12.77.200.200
   

Quick Reply
Message:

HTML is not enabled.
UBB Code™ is enabled.

Instant Graemlins
     


  Post A Reply Close Topic   Feature Topic   Move Topic   Delete Topic next oldest garden   next newest garden
 - Printer-friendly view of this garden
Hop To:


The Garden Helper | Privacy Statement

Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classic™ 6.7.2