Meet the Corn Plant, the Hardy Indoor Tree You Won’t Be Able to Kill
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If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant that won't demand too much of your time and attention, it’s time to add a corn plant to your houseplant collection. The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a slow-growing evergreen shrub in the asparagus family. This plant tolerates many different light levels and isn’t particularly fussy. Also, contrary to what you might think, this corn plant is not the same as edible corn (Zea mays)—this plant earned its common name because its flat, strappy foliage resembles a cornstalk!
Native to Africa, the corn plant is a common houseplant in low-light commercial settings such as office buildings. Similar to other plants in the Dracaena family, such as the dragon plant, the corn plant can grow outdoors in USDA Hardiness zones 10 to 11 (find your hardiness zone here). But in the rest of the country, it makes a hardy indoor plant ideal for both new and experienced plant parents. In their native habitat, corn plants bloom fragrant white flowers, but this rarely occurs indoors.
Corn plants, also known as cornstalk plants or ribbon plants, are relatively slow-growing. So, if you’d like to display one as a floor plant, purchase a large one. Indoors, the plants can reach up to 10 feet tall, depending on the type. The plant may have one large trunk or multiple trunks, with the strappy leaves emerging from the top.
Read on to learn more about how to grow and care for a corn plant.
How to Care for a Corn Plant
Fortunately for any beginner gardeners or those with little luck in growing plants indoors, corn plants are one of the easiest houseplants you can own. Given the right conditions, they can live for 15 or more years in your home, especially if you stay on top of periodic pruning.
Light
The corn plant prefers moderate to bright filtered light, not direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. It also tolerates low light levels but will grow more slowly in these conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Corn plants need average indoor temperatures in the 70s. They prefer higher humidity levels in the 40- and 50-percent range, which can be difficult to achieve indoors in the winter. But, no matter what you’ve read, misting doesn’t increase humidity levels. Instead, group several houseplants together so they transpire, or release water vapor, which will be mutually beneficial to them. Alternatively, you could also un a small humidifier near your plants.
Soil
You can use any general-purpose potting soil with a corn plant. Make sure it’s well-draining because this plant doesn’t like to stay soggy.
Water
Water your corn plant when the first inch or two of soil feels dry. Always make sure the pot has holes for excess water to drain out to prevent the plant sitting in water for too long.
Fertilizer
If you like, use any general-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength every month during the growing season. Or, in the spring, you can use a slow-release granular type, which lasts for a few months.
Types of Corn Plants
There are many cultivated varieties of corn plants, but a few of the most attractive and readily available include the following:
‘Janet Craig’: This is a common variety with short leaves on more compact stems.
‘Bausei’: This variety has 18-inch-long leaves with a single white stripe along the middle of each leaf.
‘Warneckii’: This variety is variegated with white-striped leaves.
‘Massangeana’: This is the most commonly grown type with creamy-white to lime-green striping.
How to Propagate a Corn Plant
If your corn plant is starting to get scraggly or if it’s growing taller than you’d like, you can trim it back. It's best to trim the top of the stem, or cane, to your preferred height; new leaves will appear at the nearest node, the circular white lines around the plant.
You can propagate, or make new plants, from these trimmed portions. First, make sure you have at least one or more nodes, then place the cuttings in water with the nodes submerged and the foliage above the water line. Then, place the vase in a warm area with bright, indirect light, and change the water weekly.
It’s a slow grower, so be patient while you wait for it to root. In a few months, you should see roots. Once they’re a few inches long, repot the cuttings in a new pot with fresh potting soil. Plant a few cuttings together in the pot for visual interest.
Common Pests and Problems
Corn plants aren’t particularly susceptible to pests, but they can occasionally be affected by white flies, scale, or aphids. If you see any of these common houseplant pests, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat it as soon as possible.
Corn Plant FAQs
Why Is My Corn Plant Getting Brown Tips?
Underwatering and low humidity levels are two common reasons your corn plant may be getting brown tips on its leaves. Check the soil more frequently for watering, and add a humidifier to boost humidity levels.
Are Corn Plants Toxic to Pets?
Unfortunately, according to the ASPCA, corn plants are toxic to pets. This plant contains saponins; when ingested, they cause vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, hypersalivation, and dilated pupils in cats. Call your vet ASAP if you suspect your pet has nibbled on this plant, even if you’re not entirely sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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