While the term “corn tree” might evoke images of a large, woody plant bearing ears of corn, it commonly refers to a popular indoor houseplant. This plant is known for its sturdy, upright stem and arching, strappy leaves that resemble corn foliage.
Understanding the “Corn Tree”
The houseplant commonly called a “corn tree” is botanically known as Dracaena fragrans. Its thick, cane-like stems and long, arching leaves visually resemble corn stalks and foliage. Native to tropical Africa, Dracaena fragrans is a slow-growing evergreen shrub.
It is important to differentiate this houseplant from agricultural corn, Zea mays, which is a true grass cultivated for its edible kernels. Dracaena fragrans belongs to the Asparagaceae family, unlike Zea mays, which is in the Poaceae (grass) family. Indoors, Dracaena fragrans typically remains between 4 to 6 feet tall.
Essential Corn Tree Care
Providing appropriate light is important for Dracaena fragrans health. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near a window with filtered sun. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and less vibrant foliage. Variegated varieties benefit from brighter indirect light to maintain their color.
Watering correctly is important; Dracaena fragrans prefers consistently moist soil but can suffer from root rot if overwatered. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch, ensuring thorough drainage and emptying any standing water from the saucer. Using room temperature, filtered, or distilled water is recommended, as Dracaena are sensitive to fluoride and salts often found in tap water.
A well-draining potting mix is necessary for this plant, ideally one that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, and rich in organic matter. Maintaining indoor temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and average household humidity levels (40-50%) will support growth. If humidity is low, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water or misting the leaves can be beneficial.
Fertilizing supports the plant’s growth during its active season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted, once every 2-3 weeks or monthly from spring through summer. Fertilizing is not needed during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup, which may cause leaf tip burn.
Troubleshooting Common Corn Tree Problems
Brown leaf tips are a frequent issue with Dracaena fragrans, indicating low humidity, underwatering, or sensitivity to chemicals like fluoride in tap water. Increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray and using filtered water can help alleviate this. If the problem persists, ensure the plant is not sitting in cold drafts.
Yellowing lower leaves can be a natural part of the plant’s aging process as new leaves emerge. However, widespread yellowing, especially with soft or mushy leaves, signals overwatering and potential root rot. Conversely, yellowing accompanied by dry, crispy leaves can point to underwatering or insufficient light.
Pests can affect Dracaena fragrans, though they are generally not common. Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and aphids may appear. Regular inspection of the leaves and stems helps detect infestations early. Treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil is effective for these pests. Leggy growth, where the plant appears stretched with sparse foliage, is a sign of inadequate light exposure, indicating a need to move the plant to a brighter location.
Propagating Your Corn Tree
Propagating Dracaena fragrans is straightforward using stem cuttings, also known as cane cuttings. To begin, select a healthy, mature stem section at least 4-6 inches long.
Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to prevent rot once placed in water or soil. Cuttings can be rooted in a container of water, where roots should form within 4-8 weeks. Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix, kept consistently moist but not soggy. Place the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light to encourage root development.