warneckii Dracaena fragrans

A slow-growing shrub in frost-free tropical climates, the corn plant is typically grown as a houseplant.  It is called a corn plant because of the resemblance of the stem to a corn stalk.  Keep 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 leaves will narrow. Keep the soil moist during the growing season but cut back on the water in the winter. Plant in average 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 heat is on.  Keep the temperature above 50 degrees F if possible.  They thrive in temperatures of 70-80 degrees F. 

It has been shown by NASA to remove indoor air pollutants.  

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-fluorinated water and flush salts monthly. 

Family name previously Agavaceae.

Quick ID Hints:

• Indoor shrub with spirally arranged leaves
• Leaves linear-lanceolate, 1-2" wide
• Leaves USUALLY have 1-2 central yellow or white stripes

Tropical shrub to 14.5'; trunk typically unbranched.

Cultivars of this species are used to cleanse air or as specimen, filler, screen or hedge; habit of plant is palm-like with age and leaf drop; will survive under low light conditions for 2-3 years. 

Most variable of three commonly cultivated dragon palms due to broader cultivar selection; distinguished from the other two by the medium width leaves, commonly between 1-2.5". 

Prefers medium light, moist soil and medium relative humidity; leaves will brown at tips if air too dry; pest problems.

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