How do you make a corn plant flower?

Making a corn plant flower can be quite a rewarding experience, as these tiny, white, highly fragrant flowers add a touch of beauty and elegance to any indoor space. However, it does require a bit of effort and patience, as corn plants typically require a specific temperature drop to initiate the flowering process.

To make a corn plant flower, you will need to expose it to a two-week temperature drop. This drop in temperature signals to the plant that it is time to bloom. While this drop in temperature can be achieved outdoors, it is important to note that it is usually too cold for most people to tolerate indoors. Therefore, it is best to carry out this process outside.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a corn plant flower:

1. Choose the right time: The ideal time to expose your corn plant to a temperature drop is during the fall or winter season when the plant naturally goes into a dormant state. This ensures that the plant is more receptive to the temperature change and is more likely to initiate the flowering process.

2. Find a suitable location: Select a location outside where you can place your corn plant for the two-week period. It should be an area that receives adequate sunlight and is protected from strong winds or extreme temperature fluctuations.

3. Gradually acclimate the plant: Before exposing the corn plant to the cooler outdoor temperatures, it is important to gradually acclimate it to avoid shocking the plant. Start by placing the plant in a slightly cooler indoor location for a few days, then gradually move it to a shaded outdoor area for a few more days. This acclimation process helps the plant adjust and minimizes stress.

4. Monitor temperature changes: Keep a close eye on the weather forecast to ensure that the temperature drop will occur during the two-week period. Aim for a drop in temperature to around 50-55°F (10-13°C) during the day and 40-45°F (4-7°C) at night. Remember, these temperatures are approximate and may vary depending on the specific needs of your corn plant.

5. Protect the plant: While the corn plant can tolerate cooler temperatures, it is still important to protect it from frost or extreme cold. Consider covering the plant with a frost cloth or moving it to a sheltered area if temperatures drop too low.

6. Be patient: After the two-week temperature drop, it may take some time for the corn plant to produce flowers. This can vary depending on the individual plant and its overall health. Be patient and continue to provide the necessary care and attention to encourage flowering.

Making a corn plant flower requires exposing it to a two-week temperature drop, typically during the fall or winter season. While this process is best done outside due to the colder temperatures required, it is important to gradually acclimate the plant and protect it from frost or extreme cold. With patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of the tiny, white flowers that adorn the corn plant.

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Caroline Bates

Caroline is a Miami-based landscaper who specializes in drought-tolerant landscapes. She is the mother of two young children and also enjoys writing for GreenPacks.org in her spare time. Caroline takes great pride in her work, and loves being able to share her knowledge with others through her writing.