Troubleshooting
Corn Plant problems — and how to fix them
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown leaf tips and margins
Most often caused by fluoride or salt build-up from tap water and fertiliser, or by low humidity. Switch to filtered or rainwater, flush the pot periodically, and ease off feeding.
Yellowing or drooping lower leaves
Some lower-leaf yellowing is natural ageing, but widespread yellowing usually signals overwatering or poor drainage. Let the top inch dry between waterings and check for soggy roots.
Pale, narrowing leaves with leggy growth
A sign of insufficient light. Move it somewhere brighter with filtered light to restore leaf width and colour, but avoid direct midday sun.
Pests: mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips
Check leaf joints and undersides for sticky residue, webbing or cottony clusters. Wipe leaves and treat with insecticidal soap or neem; dry indoor air encourages spider mites.
Prevent corn plant problems before they start
Most corn plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Corn Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my corn plant brown leaf tips and margins?
Most often caused by fluoride or salt build-up from tap water and fertiliser, or by low humidity. Switch to filtered or rainwater, flush the pot periodically, and ease off feeding.
Why is my corn plant yellowing or drooping lower leaves?
Some lower-leaf yellowing is natural ageing, but widespread yellowing usually signals overwatering or poor drainage. Let the top inch dry between waterings and check for soggy roots.
Why is my corn plant pale, narrowing leaves with leggy growth?
A sign of insufficient light. Move it somewhere brighter with filtered light to restore leaf width and colour, but avoid direct midday sun.
Why is my corn plant pests: mealybugs, scale, spider mites and thrips?
Check leaf joints and undersides for sticky residue, webbing or cottony clusters. Wipe leaves and treat with insecticidal soap or neem; dry indoor air encourages spider mites.