Overview
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) is native to tropical Africa. It is widely grown as a houseplant for its upright cane-like stems and long, arching leaves, often with a yellow or lime-green stripe down the center.
Care Guide
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. Can tolerate lower light but growth will slow. Avoid direct hot sun.
Water
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. They are sensitive to fluoride, so filtered water is best.
Soil
Well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor plant mix works fine.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C). Keep away from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F.
Fertilizer
Feed lightly every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning
Cut back tall canes to control height. New growth will sprout below the cut.
Propagation
Easily propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a section of cane and place it in water or moist soil. New shoots will appear from the nodes.
Common Problems
- Brown leaf tips – Often caused by fluoride in water, low humidity, or inconsistent watering.
- Yellow leaves – Usually overwatering or natural aging of older leaves.
- Drooping leaves – Underwatering or cold temperatures.
Interesting Facts
- It is one of the plants tested by NASA for air purification.
- Mature plants can produce highly fragrant white flowers, though this is rare indoors.
- The name “Corn Plant” comes from the resemblance of the leaves to corn foliage.
- It is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
