Corn Plant

Question:

We have had our corn plant for 35 year and prune it back regularly. this week the plant actually flowered (the first time ever) they are an off white and extend about 2 feet. is this normal? I assume we should just prune but are amazed about this.

Answer:

It is unusual, but not rare, for older Corn Plants to flower, as yours is. Typically, it happens with older plants that have been in the same pot and the same general location for a long time. Once the flowering starts, it often repeats annually and even twice annually thereafter as long as there are no significant changes in its environment or care.

The flowers are very sticky and have a very sweet odor that some people find cloying. The flower stem can be removed entirely at any time, but before the petals start to dry up and make a mess. Typically, flowers last a couple of weeks.