Corn plant in ceramic pot

Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as the Corn Plant, Cornstalk Dracaena, Happy Plant, or Fragrant Dracaena, is a popular indoor foliage plant native to tropical Africa. It’s highly valued for its striking appearance and its ability to tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions, including lower light.

Care Requirements:

• Light: Dracaena fragrans thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, especially the variegated varieties. It can tolerate lower light conditions, but growth will be slower and variegation may become less pronounced.
• Watering: Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feel dry to the touch. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows. Dracaena fragrans is sensitive to fluoride and salts often found in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is often recommended.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, organically rich potting mix. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging.
• Temperature and Humidity: It prefers consistent indoor temperatures between 18°C to 24°C (65°F to 75°F). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. While it appreciates humidity (40-50% is ideal), it can tolerate average household humidity. Misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier can increase humidity.
• Fertilization: Fertilize lightly every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter. Some sources suggest not fertilizing at all to avoid salt buildup if using tap water.
• Pruning: You can trim brown leaf tips or damaged leaves to maintain its appearance. If the plant becomes too tall, you can prune the top to encourage new branching and a bushier habit. The pruned tops can often be rooted to create new plants.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.