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How to Pollinate Dracaena Corn Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Updated: May 13, 2022

Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as corn plant, is a popular houseplant that is native to tropical Africa. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low light conditions and requires minimal watering. However, if you want to increase your yield and promote the growth of new plants, pollination is an essential process that you should perform. In this article, we will discuss how to pollinate dracaena corn plant and help you increase your yield.

Why Pollination is Important for Dracaena Corn Plant

Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male reproductive organ of a flower to the female reproductive organ. In the case of dracaena corn plant, pollination is necessary for the production of seeds, which are essential for the growth of new plants.

Without pollination, your dracaena corn plant will not produce any seeds, and you will not be able to propagate new plants. Pollination also promotes the growth of new leaves and flowers, which can improve the overall health and appearance of your plant.

How to Identify Male and Female Flowers

Before you can start pollinating your dracaena corn plant, you need to identify the male and female flowers. The male flowers are smaller and have a yellowish-green color. They grow on long stalks and produce pollen. The female flowers are larger and have a white or cream color. They grow on shorter stalks and have a stigma in the center.

How to Pollinate Dracaena Corn Plant

To pollinate your dracaena corn plant, you need to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the stigma of the female flowers. This can be done manually using a small paintbrush or cotton swab.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Wait for the male flowers to produce pollen. You will know when this happens because the pollen will be visible on the surface of the flowers.

  2. Gently remove some of the pollen with a small paintbrush or cotton swab.

  3. Transfer the pollen to the stigma of a female flower. Gently brush the pollen onto the stigma, making sure to cover it completely.

  4. Repeat this process for all the female flowers on your dracaena corn plant.

Tips for Successful Pollination

Here are some tips to help you successfully pollinate your dracaena corn plant:

  • Choose flowers that are fully open and in good health.
  • Pollinate your plant in the morning when the pollen is most abundant.
  • Use a clean paintbrush or cotton swab to avoid introducing any contaminants to your plant.
  • Avoid touching the stigma with your fingers, as this can damage it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I pollinate my dracaena corn plant?

You should pollinate your dracaena corn plant once a week during its growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer months.

Can I use a different method to pollinate my plant?

Yes, you can also use natural pollinators such as bees or butterflies to pollinate your dracaena corn plant. However, if you are growing your plant indoors, you may need to perform manual pollination.

How long does it take for seeds to form after pollination?

It can take several weeks or even months for seeds to form after pollination. Once the seeds have formed, you can collect them and use them to propagate new plants.

Will my plant die if I don’t pollinate it?

No, your dracaena corn plant will not die if you don’t pollinate it. However, it will not produce any seeds or new growth without pollination.

Can I propagate my dracaena corn plant without seeds?

Yes, you can propagate your dracaena corn plant using stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in water or soil until it develops roots.