Dracaena Corn Plant

Introduction

Dracaena fragrans, more popularly known as the Corn Plant, is a tropical evergreen native to Western Africa. It's easy to recognize by its large green blade-like leaves that arch outwards from a thick stem resembling a corn cob. Although it does prefer bright indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil, the Corn Plant is surprisingly hardy and can thrive in low light conditions with little fuss. Furthermore, its slow-growing habit makes it an ideal choice for rooms of all sizes as it can be easily maintained without taking up too much space. Even better, its air purifying properties make it an excellent addition to any home or office environment!

Dracaena Corn Plant Care

Dracaena Corn Plants make an ideal indoor plant due to their low-maintenance nature and adaptability to a variety of indoor conditions. These plants prefer indirect light, slightly moist soil, temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate humidity. They also benefit from a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer applied monthly during the growing season.

Light

Dracaena Corn Plants prefer medium to bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can scorch their leaves. If you notice the variegation on the leaves is fading, this could be a sign that the plant needs more light.

Soil

A well-draining, general-purpose houseplant potting soil works well for Dracaena Corn Plants. They do not like their roots sitting in water, so ensuring that the soil drains well is crucial. If desired, you can mix some perlite or sand into the potting mix to increase its drainage capabilities.

Water

Dracaena Corn Plants prefer to stay slightly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. The frequency of watering may decrease in the winter months. Also, these plants are sensitive to fluoride, often found in tap water, so using distilled or rainwater can prevent browning leaf tips.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal temperatures for the Dracaena Corn Plant range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing them in drafty areas or near heating and cooling vents as sudden temperature changes can cause stress to the plant. As for humidity, moderate home humidity levels should suffice. If the air is too dry, you might notice brown tips on the leaves. In this case, consider misting the leaves or using a humidifier to increase humidity levels.

Fertilizer

Feed your Dracaena Corn Plant with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through early fall). It's best to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid a buildup of salts that could potentially burn the plant's roots. No fertilization is required during the winter months, when the plant's growth naturally slows down.