Image: AI generated
Corn Plant Plant Care
Zea mays L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Zea mays, commonly known as corn or maize, is a tall and upright plant with long leaves and produces edible kernels. It is a staple crop in many cultures worldwide.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun
60–86°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Corn Plant?
Water Corn Plant every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun. It prefers temperatures of 60–86°F (16–30°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Corn Plant Native To?
What Is the Corn Plant?
Corn Plant (Zea mays) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Zea genus. Corn Plant is native to Mexico. Corn Plant is also known as Corn, Maize, Indian Corn.
Corn Plant displays a tall, upright growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Corn Plant produces tassel-like inflorescences.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Corn Plant?
Zea mays requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Corn Plant Need?
Corn Plant thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Corn Plant Prefer?
Zea mays grows best at temperatures of 60–86°F. Corn Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–86°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Corn Plant?
Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Corn Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Corn Plant?
Feed Corn Plant every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Corn Plant?
Not typically grown in pots. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Corn Plant?
Corn Plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Is the Corn Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Corn Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Corn Plant?
Corn Plant is susceptible to corn earworms, cutworms, aphids. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Corn Plant Need?
Corn Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Corn Plant is native to Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Corn Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Corn Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Zea genus — compare its care with other Zea species on PlantoScan.
Zea is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Corn Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Zea mays L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 971 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Corn Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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