Corn Plant.

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Care level

Easy

Plant type

Evergreen perennial

Light

Bright, indirect light is best; avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves.

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 15 feet tall indoors

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Rarely flowers indoors, but can bloom in late winter or early spring

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide good drainage. Watch for brown leaf tips, which can indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Yellowing leaves might mean overwatering.

Watering

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Pruning

Prune to maintain shape or size, or to remove dead or damaged foliage. Can be pruned back hard to encourage bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years. Use a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Soil pH

5.5 to 6.5

Temperature

18 to 27°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for many years indoors.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

high

Seguridad

People

Ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, and depression in pets, but is generally considered non-toxic to humans.

Pets

Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting and depression.

Children

While not toxic, ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in children.

Contact allergens

Sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

No significant respiratory allergens are noted.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Cómo identificarla

• Thick, cane-like stems
• Long, arching, strap-like leaves
• Leaves are glossy green
• Yellow or cream variegation on leaf margins
• Clusters of small, fragrant white flowers
• Can grow quite tall indoors

Height

1.5 to 4.5m

Spread

0.6 to 1.2m

Leaves

green, yellow, cream, evergreen

Flowers

white, 1 to 2cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Spider mites — Tiny pests that create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves.
• Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap.
• Leaf tip burn — Caused by fluoride in water or soil, or by inconsistent watering.
• Yellowing leaves — Often due to overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagation

stem cuttings, air layering

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Indoors, maintain consistent temperatures and reduce watering slightly. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.

In containers

Grows well in containers, a 10-inch pot is a good starting size for a young plant, moving up as it grows.

Pair with plants that enjoy indirect light and don't require constantly wet soil.

Buenas compañeras

• ZZ Plant — Both plants prefer similar low-light conditions and well-draining soil, making them easy to care for together.
• Snake Plant — They share similar watering needs and tolerance for lower light, creating a low-maintenance pairing.
• Peace Lily — Peace lilies thrive in similar indirect light and appreciate consistent moisture, complementing the Dracaena's needs.

Mantenla lejos de

• Direct Sunlight — Intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots and damage.
• Overwatering — Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, which is difficult to recover from.

Especies parecidas

• Dracaena marginata — Similar care requirements but has thinner, arching leaves with red edges.
• Dracaena reflexa — Also a popular houseplant with similar needs, but typically has smaller, more numerous leaves.

Ciencia

Family

Asparagaceae

Genus

Dracaena

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Tropical Africa

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows as an understory plant in forests and woodlands.

Uses

Ornamental houseplant, Air purifier

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

How often should I water my Dracaena fragrans?

Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on conditions.

Does it need direct sunlight?

No, it prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch its leaves.

What kind of soil is best?

A well-draining potting mix, like one formulated for houseplants or cacti, works well.

Why are my Dracaena's leaves turning brown at the tips?

This is often due to fluoride in tap water, low humidity, or inconsistent watering.

Can I propagate Dracaena fragrans?

Yes, stem cuttings can be rooted in water or soil.

De dónde viene el nombre

Dracaena comes from the Greek word 'drakaina', meaning 'female dragon', referring to the red resin of some species. Fragrans means 'fragrant', referring to its sometimes fragrant flowers.

Bueno saberlo

• It's native to tropical Africa.
• It can grow quite tall indoors, sometimes reaching 6 feet or more.
• The plant's common name, 'Corn Plant', comes from its resemblance to young corn stalks.
• It's known for its air-purifying qualities.