About
Dracaena fragrans, the corn plant, is an upright, evergreen, tropical shrub with cane-like stems and shining, ribbon-like leaves to 40 cm long. Its slender habit and tolerance of shade and low humidity make it one of the most popular and forgiving of all houseplants.
About the genus
Dracaena are evergreen trees and shrubs with few branches bearing linear to lance-shaped leaves often crowded towards the tips. On mature plants, small greenish-white flowers may be followed by orange or red berries. Bold and architectural plants for conservatories, frost-free gardens and as houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toTropical Africa
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately in the growing season and apply a balanced liquid feed monthly; water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring. See Dracaena for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, although weak stems may be shortened to 15cm in spring, and the resulting cutting used to propagate a new plant
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 20°C in spring; root semi-ripe cuttings and leafless stem sections with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free