Dragon Tree Dracaena fragrans

Corn plant is a slow-growing, broadleaf evergreen, perennial shrub in its native tropical Africa,  but is typically grown as a houseplant in the United States. It is in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family and is called a corn plant because of the resemblance of the tall, unbranched stem to a corn stalk; the habit is palm-like with age and leaf drop.

Keep it in bright to moderate filtered light indoors. It thrives in lower light level situations. 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. Plant in commercially bagged  potting soil and in a pot with drainage holes. Place a saucer beneath the plant to collect water and then discard any that accumulates. Repot when the plant starts to lift or sends roots out the drainage hole. Leaves can turn brown at the tips if indoor humidity is too low. Mist the leaves to prevent this, especially in the winter when the house is heated. Keep the temperature above 50 degrees F if possible. Corn plant thrives in temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees F. Propagate by stem cutting.

Corn plant is the most variable of three commonly cultivated dragon palms because it has a broader cultivar selection. It can be distinguished from the other two by the medium-width leaves, commonly between 1 to 2.5 inches. 

Cultivars of this species are used as a specimen, filler, screen, or hedge. 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 2 inches wide
• Leaves usually have one to two central yellow or white stripes

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.