The corn plant (Dracaenafragrans) is a tropical African evergreen tree.
However, if you have cats or dogs, pass on this plant as dracaena is toxic to both.
Below, we share our care guide, so you might have a thriving corn plant.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Bring them indoors once the temperatures start to fall into the 60F range.
Light
The ideal indoor location for a corn plant is near a window with filtered sunlight.
Too little light will result in the leaves losing their color variegation and might stunt the plant’s growth.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Exposure to direct sun can burn the plant’s leaves and cause them to wilt.
Outdoors, the plant does best in a shadier spot.
Soil
A loose,loamy potting soil mixis the best option for growing corn plants.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
verify the soil has good drainage because its roots don’t do well in standing water.
Reduce watering in the late fall to winter.
However, never let the soil completely dry out.
The Spruce / Cara Cormack
Soil that is too wet or too dry will lead to plant health issues.
Otherwise, removeyellow leavesso your corn plant can focus its energy on creating new leaves.
Each one differs in value, cost, and durability, so there’s a choice for everyone.
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Cara Cormack
Top cutting orstem cuttingis the best method of propagation.
Propagation is more successful when rooting the stem in water.
Sprinkle two to three seeds in a small pot of moistened seed starting mix.
Cover the seeds lightly with the seed starting mix.
Place the pot on a warm, germinating mat and cover with clear plastic wrap.
Maintain soil temperature between 68F to 80F under a grow light or bright, indirect sunlight.
The soil should remain slightly moist.
If the soil is too damp, the seeds can rot.
Transplant once the seedling develops two true leaves into a 3-inch pot using potting soil.
Overwintering
Bring your dracaena indoors when temperatures start to dip below 60F.
They may be red, yellow, green, and brown and can change throughout the year.
However, the chances of blooming are lower if your corn plant is kept indoors.
The flower stalksemerge out of the center of the leaf whorl and can grow up to 3 feet long.
The scent can smell like a combination of jasmine, lilac, honey, and freshly cut grass.
It blooms as the sun sets, each night for about a month.
Each bloom drops at daylight, spurring another bloom to initiate the following evening.
If any of these conditions are off, you may see some of the following issues.
Reassess the plants light, soil moisture, and fertilization schedule and adjust accordingly.
Add a humidifier to increase humidity.
Increase the plant’s water, but never let the soil get soggy.
Yellowing tips can also be brought on by too much plant food or fluoride in the water.
Use distilled water to avoid leaf tip burn.
verify the soil is well-draining and the plant’s pot has several drainage holes.
Move the plant to a spot with less direct sunlight.
The plant will start to look and smell like it’s rotting.
The plant is not salvageable, and it should be discarded.
Is This the Right Plant for You?
Corn plants are easy to care for once their climate, sun, and water needs are met.
Maintain those conditions, and your plant can live for many years.
Corn plant generally has a slow-to-moderate growth rate.
The corn plant is entirely unrelated to sweet cornthe stalky vegetable that’s grown for food.
They are similar in name only.
Corn plants can grow in water.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
