Corn Plant Plant Care

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Dracaena genus. Corn Plant is native to Tropical Africa. Corn Plant is also known as Mass Cane, Dragon Tree, Fragrant Dracaena.

Corn Plant displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Corn Plant produces white, star-shaped, clustered inflorescence.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Corn Plant every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Corn Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Corn Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Dracaena fragrans tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Corn Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Corn Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Corn Plant every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Corn Plant is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Corn Plant can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Corn Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Corn Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Corn Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to song of india plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Corn Plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Corn Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Corn Plant is native to Tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Corn Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.