Corn Plant / Mass Cane

Dracaena fragrans

description

Corn Plant is a durable cane-forming houseplant with broad arching striped leaves.

benefits

Suitable for containers

warnings

Toxic to cats
Toxic to dogs

How to care for Corn Plant

sunlight

In tropical African forests, Corn Plants grow beneath taller vegetation, receiving filtered light rather than harsh sun. Give yours bright, indirect light for the fullest growth and strongest leaf color.

Bright indirect light

Place it a few feet back from an east or west window, or near a bright window behind a sheer curtain. Variegated types need this brighter placement to keep their stripes defined. Avoid strong direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Medium indirect light - tolerated

It can handle a moderately lit room, but growth will be slower and variegation may fade. Very dim corners are not a good long-term home.

Rotate the pot every week or two so the canes grow evenly instead of leaning toward the window.

watering

Let the upper 2-3 inches of soil dry before watering. Corn Plants handle a short dry spell better than constantly wet roots.

Spring and summer

Water thoroughly about every 1-2 weeks, then let excess drain away. Check the soil first: brighter, warmer rooms and smaller pots dry faster.

Fall and winter

Expect to water roughly every 2-4 weeks in lower light or cooler conditions. Wait until the pot feels noticeably lighter and the upper soil is dry; growth slows, so roots use less water.

Water slowly until it runs from the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. If leaf tips brown despite good watering, try filtered or distilled water, as Corn Plants can be sensitive to minerals and fluoride.

Soggy soil can cause root rot. Yellowing lower leaves and a persistently heavy pot are signs to let the mix dry more between waterings.

humidity

Preferred humidity

50-60%

Native to tropical Africa, Corn Plant appreciates moderately humid air but adapts well to most homes. A household range of 40-60% is usually comfortable. Prolonged dry air, especially near heating, can cause brown, crispy leaf tips and edges or leaves that unfurl poorly.

Keep it away from heating vents and radiators, where humidity drops fastest.

Group it with other plants to create a slightly more humid pocket of air.
Use a humidifier nearby if winter air stays below about 40%.
Check brown tips before blaming humidity: mineral-heavy water or excess fertilizer can cause them too.

temperature

Preferred temperature

18-27°C (65-80°F)

Winter minimum

15°C (59°F)

Native to warm tropical Africa, Corn Plant prefers steady indoor warmth. Keep it away from chilly windows in winter and from heating or air-conditioning vents, which can dry and stress the leaves.

Place it in a room that stays above 15°C (59°F), especially overnight.

Cold drafts and sudden drops below 15°C (59°F) can cause yellowing or browning leaves.

nutrition

March - August

Feed about once a month while the plant is putting out new leaves, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not feed in autumn and winter unless it is clearly growing in bright, warm conditions.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports the broad green foliage. A balanced fertilizer provides enough without pushing soft, weak growth.

Potassium

Potassium supports sturdy growth and overall plant function, and is supplied by a regular balanced feed.

Apply fertilizer to already moist soil, not dry roots. Flush the pot with plain water occasionally to prevent mineral salts building up.

soil

Loose, moisture-retentive, well-draining soil

Corn Plant roots prefer a mix that holds some moisture but still lets excess water escape quickly. Use a quality houseplant potting mix loosened with perlite or pumice, plus a little fine bark if the mix feels dense.

pH 6,0 - 6,5

This is slightly acidic, a range that suits most standard houseplant mixes. Choose a peat- or coco-based mix and avoid heavily limed soil unless you know your water and mix are very acidic.

Use a pot with drainage holes, and refresh compacted soil when repotting every few years.