Houseplant Guide: Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The Dracaena fragrans, popularly known as the corn plant, is a versatile and low-maintenance indoor plant that has been gracing European and American homes for centuries. This botanical gem, with its wide variety of cultivars, offers a splash of colour and charm to any living space.
One of the most striking features of the corn plant is its foliage. The leaves of the common corn plant turn a pale green, almost neon green, as they mature. However, there are cultivars that offer more vibrant and varied leaf colours. Two such cultivars are the Lemon lime and the Limelight. The Lemon lime corn plant boasts vibrant lime green leaves with a deep green heart circled in ivory, while the Limelight features leaves that turn a striking shade of neon green as they mature.
The corn plant is flexible about sun exposure and can tolerate a shady environment. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also thrive in lower light levels, with slower growth. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn. Good drainage is essential for the potting soil, and any peat-based potting soil is suitable.
When it comes to care requirements, the corn plant is relatively easy to maintain. It needs to be watered moderately, with the top inch of soil feeling dry before watering. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot. The optimal temperature for the corn plant is between 65–80°F (18–27°C), making it comfortable for most indoor environments. Normal household humidity usually suffices, although some experts recommend high humidity levels (between 40 and 50 percent).
Propagating a corn plant involves clipping off the top of a stem, rooting it in water, and transplanting it into its own container. It's important to note that the corn plant does not flower reliably indoors and is toxic to dogs and cats.
The corn plant, or Dracaena, is native to tropical Africa and can thrive in ordinary household temperatures. It usually tops out at 4 to 6 feet tall and is fairly narrow in width, making it suitable for most spaces. When repotting the corn plant, a slightly larger pot should be used, with a few inches of moist soil added. The new plant root ball should be set on top, and the sides of the pot filled in with soil, but stopping at least an inch from the top to give room for watering. Fertilizer is not necessary for the corn plant, and too much fertilizer can harm it.
In summary, Dracaena fragrans cultivars share similar easy-care traits that fit well indoors with bright indirect light, moderate watering, and tolerance for average room conditions, while offering variety in leaf colour and form. Whether you're looking for a plant with traditional green leaves or something more vibrant and variegated, the corn plant is a great choice for brightening up your indoor space.
[1] Smith, A. (2020). Dracaena fragrans - Corn Plant. Gardening Know How. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-care/houseplants/dracaena/dracaena-fragrans-corn-plant.htm [2] The Spruce. (2021). Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant) Care. The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/dracaena-fragrans-corn-plant-care-3187878 [3] The Sill. (2021). Dracaena 'Lemon Lime'. The Sill. Retrieved from https://www.thesill.com/plants/dracaena-lemon-lime [4] The Sill. (2021). Dracaena 'Limelight'. The Sill. Retrieved from https://www.thesill.com/plants/dracaena-limelight [5] The Sill. (2021). Dracaena 'Tornado'. The Sill. Retrieved from https://www.thesill.com/plants/dracaena-tornado
The corn plant can be a captivating addition to your home-and-garden lifestyle, with vibrant cultivars like the Lemon lime and Limelight offering striking leaf colors. These variants are perfect for brightening up any home-and-garden space, adding a splash of color to various living spaces.
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