Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans is a slow-growing tropical tree from Africa, one of the most popular and durable indoor plants. Its common name comes from the broad, glossy leaves that resemble those of a corn stalk, frequently marked with a wide chartreuse or yellow stripe down the center in cultivars like Massangeana.

Grown as a single cane or in staggered groups, it forms an upright, tree-like silhouette ideal for floors and corners. The species name fragrans refers to its intensely sweet-scented flowers, though it rarely blooms indoors.

It tolerates low light and irregular watering, making it a favorite for homes and offices.

Identify the corn plant by:

• Canes: thick, woody, upright trunks, often sold as cut-and-rooted logs
• Leaves: long, broad, arching, glossy, strap-shaped, gathered at the cane tops
• Leaf markings: many cultivars have a wide yellow or lime-green central stripe
• Habit: tree-like, upright, can reach 4-6 ft or more indoors
• Flowers: rare indoors, but very fragrant when they appear

• Light: bright, indirect light is ideal; tolerates medium to low light with slower growth
• Water: water when the top inch or two of soil dries; avoid overwatering
• Water quality: sensitive to fluoride and salts; use filtered water if leaf tips brown
• Humidity: average indoor humidity is fine
• Soil: well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: 65-80 degrees F; avoid cold below 55 degrees F
• Feeding: light feeding in spring and summer
• Propagation: easy from cane or tip cuttings

The corn plant is native to tropical Africa, ranging widely from Sudan and Ethiopia south through Central Africa to Mozambique, where it grows as an understory shrub or small tree in warm, humid forests.

It is cultivated worldwide as a leading indoor foliage plant for homes and offices, and grown outdoors in frost-free tropical regions.

The corn plant is grown as an ornamental indoor tree, prized for its bold foliage, tolerance of low light, and ease of care. It is among the houseplants commonly studied for indoor air filtration. It is toxic to pets if ingested and has no culinary use.