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Indoor plant care

Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans

• LightCorn Plant prefers medium to bright indirect light of 150…
• WaterWater Corn Plant when the topsoil feels dry. Check with a…
• ToxicityToxic to pets
• Mature sizeIt can reach 6 to 8 ft / 1

Corn Plant is an upright indoor tree with one or more sturdy trunks. Long, sword-shaped leaves emerge in broad tufts and resemble the foliage of corn stalks. Its strong vertical form works well as a floor plant in homes or offices. It is fairly forgiving, though careful watering and filtered light reduce brown tips and leaf loss.

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Care data checked 25 September 2026 · Dany · A-Z Plants

Light requirements

Corn Plant prefers medium to bright indirect light of 150 to 200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. It needs filtered illumination rather than strong direct rays.

• Place it about 6 ft / 1.8 m from a south, west, or east-facing window.
• The leaves should not have a direct view of the sky. Use a sheer curtain if direct sunlight is unavoidable.
• Too much light: exposed leaves may bleach or develop dry scorch marks.
• Too little light: growth slows and patterned cultivars may lose contrast. A PAR meter or PAR meter app can measure PPFD in μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.

Watering

Water Corn Plant when the topsoil feels dry. Check with a finger before adding more water, since the lower mix may remain damp after the surface changes color. Avoid both prolonged dryness and constant saturation.

• Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
• Water thoroughly until liquid runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot empty fully before replacing it in a saucer or decorative planter.
• A pot with drainage holes is essential. Soggy soil may cause root rot, yellow leaves, and soft canes.
• Water considerably less in winter when growth slows. Long dry spells or poor water quality may contribute to crispy brown tips.

Soil

Corn Plant grows in an organic all-purpose potting mix that holds moderate moisture but still drains freely. Avoid compact soil and use a container with drainage holes.

• DIY recipe: mix 3 parts coir with 1 part pumice.
• Add a light top dressing of worm castings to the surface.

Feeding

Apply an organic all-purpose fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Use the label strength and feed after watering. Do not fertilize dry soil or increase the dose to speed growth. Reduce applications when the Corn Plant rests during winter.

Temperature & humidity

Corn Plant prefers 60 to 75 °F / 15 to 24 °C. Protect it from cold drafts and direct airflow from heating or cooling vents. Humidity between 40 and 50% is suitable. Stable conditions help limit brown tips and sudden leaf drop.

What to expect

Corn Plant normally needs 3 to 5 years to mature indoors. It can reach 6 to 8 ft / 1.8 to 2.4 m tall, with a spread of 2 to 3 ft / 0.6 to 0.9 m. Growth is moderate and remains mostly upright.

Varieties & cultivars

• Dracaena fragrans ‘Lindenii’: Yellow stripes line the edges of green leaves. It grows up to 6 ft / 1.8 m tall.
• Dracaena fragrans ‘Victoria’: Each green leaf has one yellow center stripe. It reaches 5 ft / 1.5 m and tolerates low light.
• Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’: Lemon-lime green edge stripes frame dark green leaves. It reaches 5 ft / 1.5 m and prefers moderate indirect light.
• Dracaena fragrans ‘Warneckii’: White center stripes mark dark green leaves. Its bushier, shorter form reaches up to 4 ft / 1.2 m.
• Dracaena fragrans ‘Limelight’: Bright yellow-green leaves contrast with dark stems. This slow-grower reaches up to 5 ft / 1.5 m.