Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Corn Plant.

Dracaena fragrans

Pronounced drah-SEE-nah FRAY-granz

Also known as Dracaena 'Janet Craig Compact', Fragrant Dracaena, Happy plant, corn plant, corn-plant, cornstalk dracaena

cornstalk dracaena — Photo by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The corn plant is a classic, sturdy houseplant known for its thick, woody stems and arching, corn-like leaves. It's a fantastic choice for beginners because it's quite forgiving and adapts well to indoor conditions. You'll love how it adds a touch of tropical height to any room.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Bright indirect light is best for vibrant leaf color.
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 150 to 300 cm
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

Care

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for brown leaf tips, which often signal low humidity or tap water sensitivity. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust so the plant can breathe.

Watering: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back the top of the cane if the plant gets too tall to encourage branching.
Repotting: Repot when the roots become crowded or the plant feels unstable in its pot.
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 plus years
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot.
Stunted growth.

Safety

People: The leaves contain saponins which can cause irritation if chewed or swallowed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from small children as the leaves can be a choking hazard and are toxic if eaten.
Contact allergens: Handling the leaves may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The strongly scented flowers can trigger respiratory discomfort in some people.
Edibility: This plant is not for consumption and may cause digestive distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Thick, woody, cane-like stems
Long, arching, sword-shaped leaves
Yellow or lime green central leaf stripe
Leaves grow in a rosette pattern

Height: 1.5 to 4.5m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: green, yellow, cream, evergreen
Flowers: white, yellow, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: orange, red, Summer

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Leaf DropUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
ThripsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors if temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering during the cooler months when growth slows down.
In containers: It thrives in containers and prefers a pot that is not too large to avoid waterlogging.

Stem Cuttings

1. Cut a healthy stem section about 15 centimeters long.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the cutting in a jar of water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Pothos — It makes a nice trailing contrast to the upright growth.

Similar species

Dragon Tree — It has a similar growth habit but thinner leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical Africa
Conservation: Not currently a conservation concern.

It grows as an understory shrub in tropical forests, thriving in filtered light.

Value to wildlife: night fragrance
Pollinators: moths
Uses: indoor ornamental, air purification

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 4/9
Light: 4/9
Temperature: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?: This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The name Dracaena comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon, referring to the red resin of some species. The epithet fragrans highlights the pleasant scent of the blooms.

Good to know

It is often called the corn plant because its foliage resembles corn stalks.
The species name fragrans refers to the sweet scent of its flowers.
It can grow quite tall when kept in ideal conditions.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.