Maize Plant Care
Zea mays subsp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Maize, also known as corn in North American English, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. The leafy stalk of the plant gives rise to male inflorescences or tassels which produce pollen, and female inflorescences called ears.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–86°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Maize?
Water Maize every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–86°F (16–30°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Maize Native To?
What Is the Maize?
Maize (Zea mays subsp. parviglumis) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Zea genus. Maize is native to Mexico. Maize is also known as Corn.
Maize displays a tall, upright growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Maize produces tassel-like inflorescences.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Maize?
Zea mays subsp. parviglumis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Maize Need?
Maize thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Maize Prefer?
Zea mays subsp. parviglumis grows best at temperatures of 60–86°F. Maize prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–86°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Maize?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Maize to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Maize?
Feed Maize every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Maize?
Not typically grown in pots. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Maize?
Maize can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to corn plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Maize Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Maize, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Maize?
Maize is susceptible to corn earworms, cutworms, aphids. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Maize Need?
Maize grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Maize is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Maize as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Maize is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Zea genus — compare its care with other Zea species on PlantoScan.
Zea is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Maize thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zea mays subsp. parviglumis Iltis & Doebley, family Poaceae (first published in Amer. J. Bot. 67: 1001 (1980)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Maize, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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