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Dracaena fragrans
Corn Plant
Tropical Africa (Ivory Coast to Mozambique, south to Angola); lowland and submontane forest
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Dracaena fragrans is an evergreen woody monocot from tropical Africa, growing 15–50 feet (4.5–15 m) in native range and 36–84 inches (90–215 cm) under indoor culture as a single or multi-stemmed cane plant. Leaves are 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) long and 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) wide, lance-shaped, glossy mid-green with a paler central stripe (or yellow stripes in cultivars such as 'Massangeana'), arising in a tight rosette at the top of each cane. Lower leaves drop with age, exposing 1–3 inch (2.5–7.5 cm) diameter woody canes. Indoor specimens flower rarely; mature plants 6+ years old in tropical zones 10–12 produce dense pendulous panicles 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long of fragrant cream-white flowers in winter, followed by red-orange berries 0.4 inch (1 cm). The flower fragrance is strong and sweet, particularly at night. The plant is toxic to dogs and cats — saponins in the leaves cause vomiting, drooling, and dilated pupils when ingested by pets. Cold-tender: foliage damage occurs below 55°F (13°C) and plant death below 32°F (0°C). Growth rate is slow — 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year indoors. Tip cuttings root in water or moist potting mix within 4–8 weeks; cane sections planted horizontally with at least one node above the soil produce new shoots within 6–12 weeks. Common indoor pests include spider mite, mealybug, and scale.
Native Range
Native to tropical Africa from Ivory Coast east to Mozambique and south to Angola, in lowland and submontane forests. Cultivated worldwide as an indoor specimen, with selections including 'Massangeana' (yellow-striped leaves) and 'Lemon Lime' (lime-green and dark-green striped leaves).Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor floor specimen in offices, lobbies, and living spaces in temperate climates and as a landscape tree or hedge in tropical zones 10–12. Container culture in 5–15 gallon (20–55 liter) pots with well-drained potting mix supports indoor heights of 36–84 inches (90–215 cm). Tolerance of low light and infrequent watering supports use in interior plantscaping where conditions are less than the species optimum.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 7'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Indoor plants flower rarely. Mature plants 6+ years old in tropical zones 10–12 produce dense pendulous panicles 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) long of cream-white flowers in winter (December through February). Bloom duration is 3–6 weeks. The flower fragrance is strong, sweet, and most pronounced at night. Sticky nectar drips from the panicles and may stain surfaces below.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream-white pendulous panicles 12-24 inches (30-60 cm); strongly fragrantFoliage Description
Glossy mid-green with paler central stripe, lance-shaped, 12-36 inches (30-90 cm); cultivars striped yellowGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in bright indirect to medium light at 60–80°F (16–27°C). Direct midday sun scorches the upper leaves of variegated cultivars; deep shade slows growth and stretches the rosette. Watering occurs when the top 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of potting mix have dried — typically every 7–14 days in active growth and every 14–21 days in winter. Tap water with high fluoride concentration causes leaf-tip browning over weeks; rainwater or distilled water reduces this damage. Air humidity 40–60% is sufficient. Plants are re-potted every 2–3 years into a container 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the root ball.Pruning
Pruning is performed in spring at the start of active growth. Stems are cut to maintain height, and cut canes regrow from dormant buds within 4–8 weeks of cutting. Tip cuttings of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) root in water or moist potting mix in 4–8 weeks. Damaged or yellowing lower leaves are pulled or cut at the cane junction at any time.Pruning Schedule
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F
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spring
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons