Corn plant care guide
Dracaena fragrans
Also known as: Happy plant, Fragrant dracaena, Mass cane
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Saponins in the leaves and cane can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and lethargy, and dilated pupils in cats; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Corn plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- Water thoroughly about two to three days after the topsoil dries, until it runs from the bottom of the pot.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 10 days
- Once it cools, wait roughly four to five days after the soil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 14 days
- Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries; the thick cane holds moisture, so when in doubt wait.
Light and placement for Corn plant
Generally best in bright light through a sheer curtain; it tolerates shade, but in a dark spot the yellow stripe fades and new growth weakens, and direct sun scorches the leaves.
Overwintering Corn plant
Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above
As a guide, move it to a warm spot indoors once nights fall below about 10°C; it tolerates around 5°C if kept fairly dry and the cane is not chilled, while heater drafts brown the leaf tips.
Fertilizing and repotting Corn plant
Fertilizer
Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; in a year when you want the cane to sprout new heads, add a diluted liquid feed roughly every two weeks, and give none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Corn plant
- Overwatering rots the roots and the cane turns soft and collapses.
- Dry heated air and minerals in tap water brown the leaf tips.
- Winter cold makes the leaves droop and drop from the bottom up.
Tips for growing Corn plant
- Press the cane to check it is firm; if any part is soft, stop watering.
- Trim browned leaf tips with scissors, following the leaf's shape, so they do not show.
- If it grows too tall, cut the cane in spring and new shoots sprout below the cut.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
