About Eirinn A. ÒBhrìaìn Expertise I have a great deal of experience in the propagation, culture and appropriate placement of native plants for both wildlife and the environment. Whether your question is about making new native plants from seed, cutting, grafting or any other area of propagation, I can be of assistance. I enjoy working with people to discover which plants are best for their region, habitat and property. This includes questions on planting natives to control erosion or for other environmental reasons, or planting to attract and provide food/shelter for wildlife. I am a strong advocate for organic gardening methods and can answer questions in this area, as well. I can answer questions in the following areas: plant propagation of nearly any plant and all methods including: seed starting, grafting, growing from cuttings of all types, layering, etc.); landscape design (in any climate and for both residential and commercial design); growing plants indoors and/or in a greenhouse; plant breeding and hybridizing; plant identification; plant problem and disease diagnosis; seed collecting and preservation; Water gardening; Xeriscaping, Shade/Woodland gardening; Container gardening; Vegetable/Fruit Culture; Rose Culture; Native Plant Culture; Gardening for Self-sufficiency and Homesteading; Bog gardens; etc.
Experience I have more than 25 years experience in gardening. I am a Master Gardener, a professional consultant on rose care (especially wild or species roses)propagation and garden design, a professional Landscape Designer and specialize in designing organic and sustainable landscapes for both residential and commercial clients. I have created a nationally certified Wildlife Habitat of my property and frequently have gardening and wildlife classes here. I have worked in East and Southern Africa both as a Humanitarian worker and as a post-war agricultural development specialist. I am from the north of Ireland and have gardened there, in Africa and extensively in the United States. I work (voluntarily) with University of Illinois Plant Science Program in the Conservatory with the rare plant exhibits. I am also a volunteer consultant to the Champaign, IL Park District. I am a frequent public speaker on gardening issues throughout the state of Illinois.
Organizations American Horticultural Society; Illinois Master Gardeners; Nature Conservancy; Amnesty International
Education/Credentials A.S. Medical Specialist, Owens Technical College. B.A. University of Toledo, concurrent studies with University of Nairobi. Individualized Program. Major: African Studies and Sustainable Development; Minor: International Law. M.S. Horticulture, in progress. Certifications: Master Herbalist, Austral-Asian College of Health Sciences Master Gardener Consulting Rosarian Rose Hybrizer/Breeder, American Rose Society
Awards and Honors Teamwork Award, Illinois Master Gardeners: For developing the first Plant-A-Row For the Hungry Program for Moultrie-Douglas County. I developed a new system for distributing fresh produce to each small town in the two counties, whose towns are quite distant from each other. The method of distribution enabled those in isolated communities to easily reach the distributed fresh produce. Lisle Foundation Scholarship to facilitate and research organic and sustainable gardening in Uganda, East Africa. Human Rights Worker of the Year, 1988 Peace and Aid for Africa
Expert: Eirinn A. ÒBhrìaìn Date: 3/4/2008 Subject: indoor corn plant
Question I have a potted corn plant that was given to me several years ago at which time
was only about 18" tall. Since then I have repotted the plant using dirt from my garden. Today the plant, which I keep in my living room, has grown to ceiling height (8') and beginning to curl against the ceiling. Will it stop growing at that height or do I need to move it to another place with more room? Thank you for helping, Kip
Answer Hi Kip, thanks for your question! You've got quite a green thumb!
I have good news and some maybe not-so-good news. I'll start with the down side: your corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) will easily try to reach at least 15 feet in height. If you have somewhere to accomodate that height, go for it.
Here's the better news: While Dracaena's are a diverse genus, nearly all can be renewed or propagated in the same way. First, try thinning out the crown some. Has it ever flowered for you? If not, you're in for a treat; they're flowers have a great scent.
To renew, and solve your height problem, you can cut the crown back to within a few inches of the soil line, or up higher; it's up to you. The cuttings you take off will easily root and start new plants.
Here's how: First, if your plant has any offshoots, especially at the base, gently cut them away from the mother plant with a sharp knife. Then, put them in a pot with good drainage and moist -but NEVER soggy- soil. These little ones usually root quite easily.
For the larger main trunk(s), cut them to the height of your choice. It sounds drastic, but it will sprout new foliage and look better than ever. The cuttings from the trunk should be cut into 3-5 inch sections and placed horizontally into a well-draining, moist-but-never-soggy soil. Use potting soil rather than yard soil. There's quite a difference, especially when rooting cuttings. Slightly scrape the nodes of the cuttings, and put the wounded sides face-down in the soil mix. The cuttings will root in 8-12 weeks, or even faster if you secure a plastic baggie with a rubber band around the container with the cuttings.
Thanks again for writing and have a great spring!
Eirinn
