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
Tap-water fluoride or chlorine; switch to filtered or rainwater.
Yellowing lower leaves
Normal cane formation as old leaves shed.
Soft black trunk
Stem rot from overwatering — usually fatal.
Sticky leaves
Scale insects or mealybugs; treat with horticultural oil.
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?
Tap-water fluoride or chlorine; switch to filtered or rainwater.
Why is my corn plant yellowing lower leaves?
Normal cane formation as old leaves shed.
Why is my corn plant soft black trunk?
Stem rot from overwatering — usually fatal.
Why is my corn plant sticky leaves?
Scale insects or mealybugs; treat with horticultural oil.