Corn Plant.

At a glance

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 blooms indoors, but can produce fragrant white flowers in its native habitat

Care

Keep the soil lightly moist and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Watch for brown leaf tips, which can indicate dry air or inconsistent watering.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, and discard any excess water from the saucer.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 30 days during the growing season (spring and summer).

Pruning

Prune in spring or summer to maintain shape or control size; cut back stems just above a leaf node.

Repotting

Repot every 1 to 2 years when the plant becomes root-bound, or when it outgrows its pot.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix

Soil pH

5.5 to 7.0

Temperature

18 to 27°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for many years indoors with proper care.

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

high

Safety

People

Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Pets

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

Children

While not highly toxic, ingestion of plant parts may cause mild stomach upset in children, so keep out of reach.

Contact allergens

Sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

No significant respiratory allergens are typically associated with this plant.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Thick, cane-like stems
• Long, arching, strap-like leaves
• Leaves have a prominent yellow stripe
• Can grow quite tall over time
• Often has a sweet fragrance when blooming

Height

1.5 to 4.5m

Spread

0.6 to 1.2m

Leaves

Green, Yellow, evergreen

Flowers

White

Common problems

• Spider Mites — Tiny pests that suck plant juices, causing stippling on leaves and fine webbing.
• Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap, weakening the plant.
• Leaf Tip Burn — Brown, crispy leaf tips often caused by fluoride in tap water or inconsistent watering.
• Yellowing Leaves — Can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or poor light conditions.

Growing it

Propagation

Stem cuttings, Division

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Overwintering

Indoors, maintain consistent temperatures and reduce watering slightly. Avoid placing near cold drafts or heat sources.

In containers

Grows well in containers, but needs a pot at least 10-12 inches in diameter to accommodate its root system as it matures.

Group plants with similar light and watering needs together to simplify care and create a more cohesive display.

Grows well with

• ZZ Plant — Both plants thrive in similar low-to-medium indirect light conditions and prefer to dry out between waterings, making them easy to care for together.
• Snake Plant — They share similar low-maintenance needs regarding light and watering, and their upright growth habits complement each other visually.
• Peace Lily — Peace lilies appreciate consistent moisture and medium indirect light, which can be provided in a similar environment to the Dracaena fragrans.

Keep away from

• Direct Sunlight — Intense, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots and overall damage to the plant.
• Overwatering — Constantly wet soil can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can kill the plant.

Similar species

• Dracaena marginata — Also known as the Dragon Tree, it has a similar care profile but features thin, arching leaves with red edges.
• Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig' — This cultivar has solid green, glossy leaves and a more compact growth habit, but shares similar tolerance for lower light.

Science

Native range

Tropical Africa

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows as an understory plant in forests, benefiting from dappled sunlight and moist soil.

Uses

Ornamental houseplant, Air purifier

Questions people ask

How often should I water my Massangeana?

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on conditions.

What kind of light does it prefer?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.

Does it need to be fertilized?

Yes, feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Why are my plant's leaf tips brown?

This is often due to fluoride in tap water or inconsistent watering; use filtered or distilled water and maintain even moisture.

Can I propagate this plant?

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

Where the name comes from

Dracaena comes from the Greek word 'drakaina', meaning 'female dragon', possibly referring to its red resin. Fragrans refers to its fragrant flowers, though it rarely flowers indoors. 'Massangeana' honors the botanist Jean-Baptiste Massange.

Good to know

• It's native to tropical Africa.
• It can grow quite tall indoors, sometimes reaching the ceiling.
• The plant's common name, 'corn plant', comes from its resemblance to corn stalks.
• It's known for its air-purifying qualities.