Corn Plant Dracaena fragrans

Corn plant is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen, perennial shrub in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Its native home is tropical Africa, but it is widely grown as a houseplant or interiorscape plant in the United States and elsewhere. It is commonly called a corn plant because of the resemblance of the tall, unbranched stem to a stalk of corn with many broad, strap-like leaves. The species epithet refers to the sweetly fragrant flowers.

Keep it in bright to moderate, filtered light. Direct sun can burn the foliage, but if light levels are too low, the leaves will narrow. Keep the soil moist during the growing season but cut back on the water in the winter. Grow it in commercial potting soil in a pot with drainage holes. Repot it into a larger pot when the plant starts to lift out of the pot or send roots out of the drainage hole. Leaves can turn brown at the tips if indoor humidity is too low. A humidifier may help to prevent leaf tip browning, especially in the winter when the house is heated. Keep the temperature above 50 degrees F if possible. Corn plants thrive in temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees F. Propagate by stem cuttings.

Numerous cultivars of the corn plant are available. The plain-green, wild-type is less commonly seen than those with white or lime-green longitudinal stripes on the leaves. The cultivar ‘Janet Craig’ has shorter leaves borne on more compact stems. The flowers are borne in clusters on long stalks. They are infrequently produced but make their presence known by their very strong nocturnal fragrance.

In tropical climates, cultivars of this species are used as landscape plants as specimens, filler, screens, or hedges. In the temperate zone, the corn plant is a houseplant or interiorscape plant. It has been shown by NASA to remove indoor air pollutants.  

Quick ID Hints:

• Indoor shrub with spirally arranged leaves
• Leaves linear-lanceolate, 1 to 4 inches wide and 12 to 18 inches long
• The woody stem is tan and about 2 inches in diameter.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It is susceptible to thrips and mealybugs. It is sensitive to fluorides and built-up salts, so if leaves turn brown, try watering with non-fluoridated water and flush salts monthly. 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Dracaena.