Dracaena fragrans, known as the Corn Plant, is a popular houseplant due to its upright growth and ease of care. It brings a tropical feel to indoor spaces. Its common name comes from its resemblance to a corn stalk, with thick, woody stems and broad leaves.
Discovering Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena fragrans has tall, cane-like stems and long, arching leaves that emerge in rosettes from the top. Cultivars like ‘Massangeana’ feature glossy green leaves with a creamy-yellow stripe down the center. As the plant matures, it sheds lower leaves, exposing its woody stem.
The name “fragrans” refers to its fragrant flowers. While rare indoors, mature Dracaena fragrans can produce small, white, star-shaped flowers on long stalks. These blooms are sweet-scented, particularly at night. Small orange or red berries may form after flowering, though this is rare indoors.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Light Requirements
Dracaena fragrans thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window, providing gentle morning or late afternoon sun, is ideal. Direct sun can scorch leaves, causing brown spots or discoloration. While it tolerates lower light, growth may slow, and variegated foliage might appear less vibrant.
Watering Needs
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot, so ensure good drainage and avoid standing water. During spring and summer, the plant requires more frequent watering, reduced in fall and winter. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater is beneficial, as Dracaena fragrans is sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, lightweight potting mix is best for Dracaena fragrans. A mix for tropical plants, or one with peat, pine bark, or perlite, prevents waterlogging. While these plants tolerate being slightly rootbound, repotting every two to three years into a larger container supports continued growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Dracaena fragrans prefers indoor temperatures of 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. While it tolerates average household humidity, higher humidity is appreciated. Misting leaves, placing the pot on a pebble tray, or using a humidifier increases ambient moisture.
Fertilization
During spring and summer, fertilize Dracaena fragrans every 2 to 8 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity, dry soil, or fluoride/salt buildup from tap water. Increase humidity with misting or pebble trays and use purified water. Yellowing leaves signal watering issues like overwatering or underwatering; check soil moisture before watering. Leggy growth, with sparse foliage and elongated stems, suggests insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location for bushier growth.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning Dracaena fragrans manages height, improves shape, or encourages new, bushier growth. Trim yellow or brown leaves. If the plant becomes too tall, cut the top stem section to a desired height; this often stimulates new shoots below the cut.
Propagate through stem cuttings. A 4-6 inch stem section can be rooted in water or a well-draining potting mix. Remove lower leaves and allow the cut end to dry slightly before planting. Roots form within 4-8 weeks in a warm, bright spot away from direct sunlight.
Important Considerations
Dracaena fragrans is mildly toxic to pets due to saponins. Ingestion can cause vomiting and drooling. The plant also purifies air, removing common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene.