Corn plants, or Dracaena Fragrans, are popular houseplants that can make a beautiful addition to any home. Known for their thick stems and long leaves, the name corn plant comes from the stem’s likeness to a corn stalk. “False palms” or Happy Plants are other common names, with the latter deriving from the sheer joy you feel when looking at its beauty.

This plant is a slow grower and can reach heights of up to six feet (1.8 meters) tall and three feet (0.9 meters) wide, indoors.

Here are some tips on how best to care for your corn plant.

Light

This plant prefers medium to bright, indirect sunlight. If the leaves start developing brown spots, it’s a sign that your plant is getting too much light. 

Now, the corn plant can tolerate low-light conditions, however, it will grow at a slower pace. 

Soil

This plant prefers rich, well-drained soil. If you notice the leaves of your corn plant drooping, that could be a sign that the soil is too dense and needs to be lightened up with some perlite or sand. 

Watering

You need to water your plant enough for the soil to stay moist, but not too much that the roots start to rot. The best way to determine whether your corn plant needs water is to stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Fertilizing

Your corn plant doesn’t require much plant food. So, about once every other month during the spring and summer, you can give it a light fertilizer. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer according to the package directions before applying it to your plant. And overall, follow the package directions carefully, as too much fertilizer can actually damage your plant.

Pruning

To keep your corn plant looking its best, you can prune it occasionally. Remove any yellow or brown leaves and any dead or dying blooms. You can also cut back the height of the plant to keep it at a manageable size. 

When pruning, use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

The corn plant prefers a temperature of about 65 °F – 75 °F (18°C – 24°C). If the temperature dips below 50°F (10°C), that can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.

As for humidity, corn plants prefer moist air. You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier. Also, misting the leaves with water can help to increase humidity.

 Repotting

Your corn plant will need to be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. In addition, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water your plant thoroughly after repotting.

When removing your plant from its original pot, be careful not to damage the roots. So, it’s important to handle the plant carefully and not to pull it out of the pot by the stem.  Gently loosen the roots and place the plant in the new pot. 

Propagation

The corn plant can be propagated from stem cuttings. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix and moisten the soil. Cut a stem from the plant, making sure to include at least one leaf node. Stick the stem cutting into the potting mix and keep it moist. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light area. Once the plant has rooted, you can water it as you would a mature plant.

Common Problems

The corn plant is generally a low-maintenance plant, but there are a few common problems that can occur.

Root rot

Root rot is the most common problem and is caused by too much watering. If you notice your plant’s leaves wilting, this could be a sign of root rot. Remove the plant from its pot and check the roots. If they are mushy or brown, you will need to cut away the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh potting mix. To avoid this problem, make sure you’re not over-watering your plant and that the pot has drainage holes.

Brown leaves can be caused by too much direct sunlight or dry air. If the leaves are brown and crispy, this is a sign of sunburn. Move your plant to a shady spot and out of direct sunlight. If the leaves are brown and wilting, this is a sign of dry air. Increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.

Pests

The corn plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap from plants. Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that spin webs on the leaves of plants. Scale are small, hard-shelled insects that attach themselves to plant leaves and stems.

The best way to handle pests is to catch them early. Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests, such as discolored leaves or webbing. If you do find pests, you can remove them by hand or treat the plant with an insecticide.

Diseases

The corn plant is susceptible to fungal diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot. As previously mentioned, root rot is caused by too much moisture and can kill a plant. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves.

To prevent diseases, make sure your plant has proper drainage and isn’t overwatered. If you do notice a disease, you can treat it with a fungicide.

Toxicity

The corn plant is toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. If you think your pet has ingested a corn plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center immediately.

Flowers

The corn plant rarely flowers indoors. If it does, the flowers are small, white, and smell like honey. In fact, you can smell the flowers from quite a distance away.

Common types of corn plants:

D. fragrans Massangeana

This plant has long, strap-like leaves that are green with yellow stripes in the center. It can grow up to six feet tall and three feet wide.

D. fragrans Warneckii

This plant has variegated green and white leaves. It can grow up to four feet tall and two feet wide.

Dracaena Fragrans Compacta

This plant is a dwarf variety that only grows to about two feet tall. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, if you are looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant, the corn plant is a great option. It does not require a lot of sunlight or water and can grow up to six feet tall. The corn plant is also a beautiful addition to any room and will make you feel happy every time you see it!