Many of us know the Corn plant, some of us have even seen this plant flower. In all the years I've been in the business of taking care of plants, it amazes me still. What is amazing is, some people have never even SEEN this plant flower. Probably for good reason. Even a wholesale plant supplier of mine has never seen this different flower occur, as their inventory constantly changes.
In the world of Interior Plantscaping, it can be difficult to let one of these beautiful flowers fully mature. Which could be some of the problem with people never having the opportunity to see one. The growing tip of the plant is severely compromised by having a flower stalk mature. If it is allowed to grow and mature it tends to cause severe damage to the top of the plant. Almost looking as if the life is taken right out of it. Many Interior Plantscapers cut the flowers out almost as soon as they begin to appear. It is not generally desired to have a large plant look like it is extremely unhappy!
Another reason the flower stalk is removed, is the aroma of the flower. It can be fragrant at first, then almost sickly to some. It also emits a rather sticky dew like substance. Causing whatever it lands on to become tacky. It's Latin name, Dracaena fragrans is a gentle reminder to its scent.
At Nature's Reflection Interior Plantscaping, we have several clients who have Corn plants on site. I have only allowed flowers to occur for a very short time. The stalks grow rather quickly, and you can almost never catch one of them in full flower, unless the customer requests that it stay. This year, I decided to take a few pictures for others to see this odd flower. The flower stalks appear sometime in mid to late winter, almost without fail on many of the older Corns at many different locations. Light levels vary from low to medium natural light to all artificial light. Average indoor temperatures in controlled climates. Meaning, AC in the summer to heat in the winter. Nothing is allowed to get too hot or too cold as humans are in the spaces on a regular basis. Temperatures may dip slightly in evenings or on weekends as they are in businesses that are occupied during the week, not on weekends. Typical soil, and feeding throughout the growing season. Some are in containers, others are planted in beds and have been there long before I came into the account, placing them there at at least 15 years.
If you ever see these plants flower, try to enjoy their beauty, for you may never see them flowering again, unless they are in their natural habitat!
