This article serves as a comprehensive manual for taking care of mass cane plants. You will also discover how to fix any issues that may arise when growing Dracaena corn plants indoors.
Mass cane (Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana" or Dracaena fragrans) is also known as "corn plant" and is one of several popular varieties of Dracaena, including the species Dracaena lisa, Dracaena marginata, and Dracaena compacta. Long, green leaves with light-yellow/light-green stripes and stalky stems are the main characteristics of this plant. It is a simple houseplant to grow that needs little upkeep (and even tolerates neglect), making it a great option for beginners.
Native to Africa, where they can reach heights of more than 50 feet, mass cane plants. (15 m) tall. A potted mass cane tree can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet when grown indoors. (1.2 – 1.8 m) tall.
The glossy green foliage that covers the tops of the thick, woody stems is what makes mass cane plants so appealing. Their three-foot-tall arching leaves can be found on them. (1 m) long and up to 4" (12 cm) wide.
Because they require little maintenance, mass cane plants are common in homes and workplaces. Although they prefer bright light, they can also grow well in low light. With minimal care—even some neglect—Dracaena massangeana canes will grow almost anywhere indoors.
The frequency of watering depends on how much light it receives. If it is in direct sunlight, you might need to water it once per week. In locations with low light or shade, water the plant less frequently.
This is due to the fact that most varieties of Corn plants are known for not needing a lot of water. The soil should remain relatively dry in between waterings. The excess water in the saucer needs to be quickly drained in order to prevent root rot.
A humidity of between 40 and 50 percent is required for mass cane plants. Mass cane plants benefit from routine misting that increases humidity. You can also grow corn plants close to other house plants to create a humid environment, wipe leaves with a damp cloth to hydrate them, or water leaves with a spray bottle.
Native to tropical regions with high humidity levels, mass cane plants flourish there. They will thrive in typical household humidity, despite the fact that they prefer humid environments for growth. If you see that the plant's leaves are wilting, you can revive them by misting some distilled water in a fine mist on the foliage.
The ideal temperature range for mass cane is between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). The edges of the leaves turn light grey or brown in temperatures below 55°F/12°C. In the winter, keep it away from open windows to protect it from the wind and the cold.
Move the plant away from any windows that have direct sunlight coming through during the summer or reduce heat with a curtain. The plant is attempting to protect itself from sunburn if you notice that the leaves start to turn toward the inside of your home or curl.
Although mass cane can tolerate a wide range of indoor lighting conditions, it prefers a location with direct, bright sunlight. This plant only needs moderately bright light to develop and produce leaves that appear healthy. It is best to put it on a porch or close to a window that faces east.
Strong light will cause the plant to grow more quickly, but it could also cause the leaves to bleach or burn, as well as the soil to dry out too quickly, which will cause dehydration. The plant must be fertilized frequently to prevent chlorosis symptoms if you must grow the corn plant in a location with a lot of direct sunlight. However, too much sun increases the likelihood that the plant will develop mealy bug. If you are unable to relocate the mass cane, use a curtain to block the light.
However, it will grow much more slowly and its leaves may turn yellow or brown. Mass cane is very tolerant of low light conditions. In order to prevent root rot and browned leaves when growing in low light, water less frequently.
Humidity Level
Being a tropical plant, mass cane prefers high humidity. In normal humidity, though, it functions perfectly. Spray the foliage daily to keep it moist if you notice browned leaves and believe there is a low humidity level. Additionally, the presence of nearby plants that contribute to humidity benefits mass cane.
Soil
In loose potting soil with excellent drainage, mass cane plants flourish. As long as water flows freely, a standard potting mix for indoor plants works well for corn plants. Peat moss should be incorporated into the potting soil because cane plants don't like to sit in water. Drainage is aided by the addition of organic matter.
Make sure there are plenty of drainage holes in the bottom of the pots when growing mass canes. To avoid root rot, extra water must quickly drain. Add some perlite to the soil if you notice it is too compact to allow better water drainage. Alternately, you might need to make sure the tiny indoor tree isn't root-bound in its pot.
How Often Should You Water a Mass Cane?
It's not too difficult to water. When the soil surface feels dry to the touch and the plant is in moderate light, water should be applied. Simply enough water the mass cane to evenly moisten the soil in the pot. It is not necessary to leave extra water in the plant's liner under the majority of moderate circumstances. Before watering once more, let the soil surface feel completely dry.
The plant needs watering about every two weeks in moderate light.
It might be necessary to either leave some water in the liner or water more frequently in areas with intense light.
Less frequent watering is preferred in low light. Make sure to give canes time to dry in dim light.
Keep in mind that mass cane grows and responds slowly. The plant may not exhibit signs of either overwatering or underwatering for several weeks; by that time, the damage has already taken place.
What to Do When the Leaves Turn Yellow Or Brown?
It is frequently a sign of overwatering or underwatering when the leaves on your mass cane turn brown or yellow. Discoloration will first appear on the edges of the leaves before spreading to the center. When the plant is too cold, similar symptoms emerge. Move your mass cane to a warm location with lots of indirect sunlight and keep it away from drafty areas.
Fluoride toxicity is also indicated by the yellowing or browning of leaves. Stop fertilizing your plant immediately if you are. More fluoride is present in fertilizers than the average cane can tolerate or like. If you believe that a fluoride overdose is the issue, drink bottled water or rainwater instead of tap water because it also contains fluoride.
Common Mass Cane (Dracaenea) Problems
Despite how simple it is to care for this plant, there are some very common problems that can arise.
Mealy bug is the most common pest. The best course of action is to keep your plant healthy, remove any obvious bugs from the leaves, and, if necessary, remove new leaf crowns.Brown spots along the leaves, especially on new growth, are common. There are a few potential reasons why this might be. Older plants might have roots that have spread outside of the pot and need to be removed. You may also need to add more soil if salts from the water start to accumulate in the soil. You can trim the crowns to promote fresh, healthier growth if the new growth has any blemishes.Overgrown stalks can be found on older plants and can get spindly and out of control. Cut back on the stalks.Tilted, leaning, or crooked canes are usually the result of either the plant leaning toward or away from a light source or uneven watering. Additionally, a plant being knocked over or forcibly moved may be the cause. A cane can be easily straightened by simply pushing it back into the upright position and adding soil as a backfill for support. To maintain balance and water the soil evenly across the surface, be sure to rotate your plant on a regular basis.Brown leaf tips are most commonly a result of overwatering or inconsistent watering. To restore the appearance of healthy foliage, either cut off the brown portions of the leaves or completely remove the brown leaves. The leaves are very accommodating to being trimmed back.Yellow leaves may be caused by acclimation, underwatering, or age. There is a method for removing corn plant leaves. Tear down the center of the leaf starting at the tip and working your way back, split it in half. The two pieces should then separate very quickly.Wrinkly stalks are due to severe under-watering or root damage.Rotten stalks , or mushy canes, are due to extreme overwatering or root damage.Fungus gnats can be an issue for any indoor plant. Overwatering is the most frequent reason for them.
What If One Stalk is Healthy But Another Shows Symptoms?
Multi-stalk mass canes are typical. Canes in pots with diameters of 10" or larger are tapered in height above the pot and below the soil surface. The roots of the tallest stalk will extend deepest into the pot, while the roots of the shortest stalk will be closest to the soil's surface. You can solve any watering problems by keeping in mind these depth variations.
For example:
If the tallest cane appears healthy but the shortest cane exhibits signs of underwatering, you may need to water more frequently because the shallow roots are probably drying out in between waterings.
When the tallest cane exhibits signs of underwatering while the shortest cane appears unaffected, you should probably check to see if you're watering enough to sufficiently saturate the soil at the base of the plant.
The deep roots in the pot may be being overpowered by too much water if the tallest cane displays overwatering symptoms but the shorter canes appear healthy.
What's the Best Soil to Use?
Any soil with good drainage will do for mass cane because it is not picky. Indoor potting soil or multipurpose potting soil are my recommendations. Peat moss-containing potting soil will also facilitate better drainage. Because mass canes will develop root rot if water sits in the pot, make sure it has a draining hole.
Should I Fertilize My Corn Plant?
Due to corn plants' poor tolerance for excess fluoride or baron, both of which are present in fertilizers, fertilizing may result in browning of the leaves. The plant can survive without fertilizer just fine, but if you think it needs a boost in nutrients, fertilize only once a year.
Pruning Mass Cane
Nothing is more straightforward than pruning dracaena. Just use a pair of garden shears to remove any leaves that appear sickly or discolored at the node (the place where a leaf connects to the cane). In order to keep the plant from wilting, trim any new sprouts or side shoots. Cutting across the stem horizontally will allow you to remove some of the top of your plant if it becomes too tall. If you want another mass cane tree, you can propagate the cutting. The good news is that growing a dracaena cutting is very simple.
Repotting a Mass Cane Plant
Dracaena cane plants may require repotting every two to three years. Moving a plant into a bigger container with new potting soil promotes growth and wellness. You can look for and get rid of any diseased or dead roots while repotting. Moreover, a bigger pot provides more space for the roots to expand.
Remove the plant and root ball from its pot in order to repot your indoor cane tree. Rinse the roots with water after shaking off any dirt that may have accumulated around the roots. If necessary, try to gently untangle the roots. Cut off any mushy, brown roots. The appropriate potting soil should be half-filled in a fresh, clean pot. Insert your mass cane plant into the pot, then fill the empty space with soil. Thoroughly water.
How to Propagate Mass Cane
Make sure to plant a mass cane from a cutting in the spring and summer when the parent plant is actively growing so that the portion that is cut off will experience new growth.
Pick a stem that is in good health and has some small buds. Shoots will develop from these tiny buds.
Trim the stem by at least 3 inches with gardening shears or a sharp knife. The groove should be cut just below.
Insert the fresh cutting into the soil of a fresh pot, making sure the buds stay above the soil. immediately spray water around the stem.
(If desired, dip the cutting's tip in some rooting hormone powder to increase the likelihood that it will bloom.
Mass Cane (Dracaena Massangeana) Flowers
Tropical tree-like plants called mass cane plants flower. They produce loosely blooming clusters of pinkish-white flowers on arching stems in their natural habitat. The nighttime opening of the fragrant flowers reveals their delicate appearance as white spiky blossoms. In the late spring and late fall, mass canes can bloom.
Unfortunately, it's rare—if ever—that Dracaena plants flower indoors. Some home plant keepers assert that a mass cane plant can only produce flowers under the right circumstances and after years of indoor cultivation. The abundant, glossy yellow and green foliage compensates for the absence of flowers.
Mass Cane Growth Rate
Mass cane plants are sluggish growers when grown indoors. To grow to their maximum height of 6 feet can take many years. (1.8 m). They are ideal for growing indoors due to their slow growth, though. The dense indoor shrubs will cover a corner of your space without taking up too much room.
Fertilizer Needs for Healthy Mass Cane Plant Growth
During the growing season, fertilize mass cane plants once per month; do not feed during the fall or winter. Use a general-purpose, balanced household fertilizer, diluted to the manufacturer's recommendations. The slow growth of Dracaena massangeana means that they have modest feeding requirements.
Because Dracaena plants aren't heavy feeders, they can succumb to mineral burn. When too many salts from fertilizer accumulate in the soil, this occurs. The plants can display symptoms of root burn even if you occasionally fertilize them. Flushing the soil occasionally will help to encourage healthy growth.
Run water through the soil for two to three minutes to get rid of extra mineral salts in houseplant soil. Before relocating the plant to its preferred location, let all the extra water drain.
It might not be necessary to fertilize if you grow mass-produced cane plants in organically fertile soil.
It's crucial to keep in mind that excessive fertilizer usage may contribute to the death of large numbers of cane plants. So, if you're unsure whether to fertilize, apply a diluted fertilizer in the spring and then again in the late summer.
FAQs About Mass Cane Plant Care
Is Mass Cane Plant Toxic?
This plant is poisonous to cats and dogs if consumed. In cats, dilated pupils are typical. Vomiting, excessive saliva production, and an appetite deficit are symptoms that both cats and dogs display.
Why My Mass Cane Plant Dying?
The browning or yellowing of your mass cane's leaves is typically an indication that it has been overwatered or has been underwatered. Discoloration will first appear on the edges of the leaves before spreading to the center. When the plant is too cold, similar symptoms emerge.
Why Does Mass Cane Plant Leaves Have Brown Tips?
The most frequent cause of brown tips on mass cane plant leaves is overwatering. Additionally, browning tips can be caused by overfertilizing or a buildup of mineral salts. Brown tips, however, may also indicate low humidity or dry soil.
Look for signs of either overwatering or underwatering in the soil's moisture to determine what is causing the browning of the leaf tips. Only water when the top layer of soil becomes dry, and make any necessary adjustments to your watering schedule.
Why Are Leaves on My Mass Cane Plant Turning Yellow?
Watering issues are also to blame for Dracaena leaves turning yellow. When roots remain in wet soil for an extended period of time, they begin to decompose and prevent nutrients from reaching the leaves. As a result, mass cane leaves droop, turn yellow, and drop off.
Mass Cane Plant Benefits
Reports have shown that the Mass Cane has improved concentration in focus in rooms it's placed in . Additionally, it can clean the air around it of toxins. To name a few, some toxins are lead, formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon dioxide.
