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Prefers bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) but tolerates low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) and even offices with only artificial lighting. Insufficient light reduces the yellow stripe intensity. Avoid intense direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute), which scorches leaves.Light
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry during active growth. Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter. Never let it sit in soggy soil - root rot develops quickly. Fluoridated tap water causes brown tips; use filtered or distilled water.Water
Tolerates average indoor humidity. Keep humidity consistent - fluctuating levels cause leaf drop. A pebble tray or humidifier helps in dry climates.Humidity
Best at 60-75°F (15-24°C). Protect from temperatures below 55°F and cold drafts near windows. Consistent temperature is important for healthy foliage.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Dracaena fragrans plant

Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans

Easy

The Corn Plant is a slow-growing African native that has been a staple houseplant in Europe since the 1800s, and for good reason — it tolerates low light, occasional neglect, and inconsistent watering better than most. Its tall, cane-like stems topped with arching green and yellow-striped leaves do genuinely resemble a maize stalk, which explains the name. If you're lucky enough to have one bloom indoors, prepare for a surprisingly powerful sweet fragrance at night.

Dracaena fragrans plant
Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dracaena fragrans plant
Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Corn Plant

Light

Prefers bright indirect light (3-6

Water

Water when the top inch

Humidity

Tolerates average indoor humidity.

Temperature

60-75°F

Soil

Loose, well-draining potting mix rich

Propagation

Stem tip cuttings are reliable and easy.

Common Problems

Root rot from overwatering.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

When Dracaena fragrans does bloom indoors — which can take a decade of waiting with no warning — it produces clusters of small white flowers on long panicles with an intensely sweet nocturnal fragrance that some people find overwhelming enough to remove the flowers.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA. Contains saponins throughout all plant parts. Symptoms include vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, loss of appetite, drooling, and dilated pupils in cats. Contact ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if ingested by a pet.

Sources

  1. Dracaena fragrans | Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Dracaena fragrans | Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant) Guide | OurHouseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant) Guide | OurHouseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Dracaena fragrans | Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Dracaena fragrans | Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Dracaena | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Dracaena | ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  9. Dracaena fragrans | NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  10. Dracaena fragrans | NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
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