Dracaena fragrans (dra-SEE-nah FRAY-granz) is a slow-growing, perennial shrub in its native habitat but is primarily known as a houseplant in the United States. It is often referred to as a Corn plant because it can appear like a corn stalk. However, it has many common names, ranging from the Dragon Tree plant to the Ribbon plant.
Native to tropical parts of Africa, the Corn plant is quite sensitive to cold temperatures but does not do well with direct sunlight. It’s famous for its long arching leaves and woody stem.
As the Corn plant matures, the leaves at the bottom of the stem turn yellow and eventually fall off. Finally, after a few years, the plant is left with a bare stem topped with leaves.
Some of the popular cultivars include:
- “Janet Craig” is a shrubby plant with glossy green leaves. The leaves grow up to two feet long and three inches wide.
- The “Lemon Lime” cultivar has bright yellow and green leaves with thin white stripes. The long leaves have a green band and yellow and lime striped edges.
- The “Warneckii” is one of the most popular variegated dragon plant varieties. It has long sword-like leaves with thick creamy-white bands but only grows to 2′ feet tall. Some say that it looks like a small spiky indoor tree.
Regardless of which cultivar you like, keep the plant away from curious or destructive puppies or kittens, as the plant is poisonous.
Some of the common names of Dracaena Fragrans include:
- Corn Plant
- Corn Palm
- Palmillo
- Fortune Plant
- Senjuang Wangi
- Dragon Plant
- Iron Plant
- False Palm
Quick Facts On Dracaena Fragrans
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Light: Moderate filtered light
- Temperature: 70° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water evenly so the soil is moist
- Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer monthly
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Thrips, mealybugs
Dracaena Fragrans Care
What Does The Corn Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Corn plant is known for its thick woody stems that produce long leaves resembling stalks of corn.
How the plant grows also makes it seem like a palm tree which is why they’re often referred to as false palms.
The plants grow slowly but reach up to 6′ feet tall in containers. However, if grown outdoors, the tree can reach heights of 50′ feet!
When Does The Corn Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Like many plants, the Corn plant doesn’t usually flower indoors. However, when it flowers, it usually blooms in late spring and late fall. The flowers are white-yellow.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
If you want to grow a houseplant but don’t have access to many windows, this might be the plant for you.
Dracaena species are some of the most shade-tolerant houseplant varieties.
A window with indirect sunlight would be an ideal location for the Corn plant.
You’ll know if it’s not getting enough sun because the leaves will start losing their color or the plant isn’t growing well.
The Corn plant is known as a houseplant, but it can be grown outdoors in the right environment.
The best zones for this plant are USDA Hardiness zones 10 to 12 because they mimic the tropical locations of its native habitat.
However, even if planted outdoors, the Corn plant prefers a shadier spot away from direct sun.
Whether you keep it indoors or out, the plant thrives in temperatures between 65° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, it also does well with a lot of humidity, so it’s a good idea to mist the leaves with water, or you can place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Corn Plant?
While keeping your Corn plant watered consistently is a good idea, they are also relatively tolerant of drought.
So if you are going out of town for a few days, you shouldn’t worry about asking a neighbor to water your Corn plant.
The Corn plant does best with a monthly application of diluted liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer.
What Is The Best Soil For Dracaena Fragrans, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for your Corn plant is loose, well-drained potting soil. It doesn’t do well when the roots sit in water, so ensure the pot has appropriate drainage holes.
It’s a good idea to repot it yearly in a slightly larger container with fresh potting soil. Ideally, repotting in spring is best.
Does Dracaena Fragrans Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Once the plant matures in about 2-3 years, the lower leaves will begin to yellow. Eventually, they will fall.
If you’d like, you can prune them once they turn yellow, but it’s not required.
If you want to keep your corn plant a more manageable size, you can cut the tops of the canes. New leaf buds will grow near the cut.
How To Propagate Cornstalk Dracaena?
Propagating your Cornstalk plant is easy with stem cuttings. You can either place your stem in water or soil, but the benefit of water is that you can see the roots grow.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Use a clean pair of pruning shears and cut off a healthy stem at least 8 inches long.
- If placed in water, there is no need to dip in the rooting hormone. However, placing the hormone first is a good idea when putting in soil.
- Either place the stem halfway in a small container of water or soil.
- Put the container in a warm spot with indirect light.
- As the water evaporates, be sure to add more. And when the water begins to look murky, replace the water entirely.
You will notice when the plant roots if your cutting is in water.
If you place your cutting in soil, you will know it’s rooting once you see new leaf growth.
Dracaena Fragrans And Diseases
While the Dragon tree plant isn’t susceptible to anything specific, it may face infestations of the usual houseplant pests.
Mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites are the common pests you may see on your Dragon tree. If so, a simple treatment of insecticide should solve the problem.
Otherwise, if your leaves have brown, dried tips, try to provide more humidity for the plant and remove it from any drafts.
However, if your leaves start to curl, you likely need to move the plant to a warmer environment.
Suggested Corn Palm Uses
While most often used for interiorscapes, the Ribbon plant is commonly cultivated for hedges, living fences, and windbreaks.
The large size of the Ribbon plant offers a perfect living wall or windbreak, and its low maintenance needs make it even better.
The plant is also semi-drought resistant, making it an easy plant for beginners and experts alike.