Corn Plant / Indoor plant(Dracaena)

Corn Plant (Dracaena)

This  plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a tropical African evergreen tree popular in Europe as an indoor plant since the mid-1800s—and in the U.S. since the early 20th century. They grow fairly slowly, from thick canes or stems that produce long, narrow leaves like stalks of corn, growing upward. This growth habit also makes them look a lot like palm trees, which is why they’re sometimes called “false palms.” They make good houseplants because they are tall and narrow, typically only reaching around 4- to 6-feet tall in containers. These plants aren’t high maintenance once you get their growing conditions right. Springtime is ideal for starting new plants, though you can typically pot nursery plants indoors any time of year. if you have cats or dogs, pass on this as dracaena is toxic to both

Corn Plant Care

Home gardeners usually grow corn plants as large potted plants indoors since they are tropical plants that require climate-controlled conditions. Corn plants do best in bright indoor locations protected against direct sunlight, drafts, and air conditioning and heating vents. These plants also prefer a high humidity environment.

You can put corn plants outdoors during the summer if they are in a sheltered, somewhat shady location. Protect them against strong winds. Bring the plant indoors once the temperatures start to fall into the 60s F.

Light

The ideal indoor location for this plant is near a window with filtered sunlight. Too little light will result in the leaves losing their color variegation and might stunt the plant’s growth. Exposure to direct sun can burn the plant’s leaves and cause them to wilt. Outdoors, the plant does best in a shadier spot.

Soil

A loose, loamy potting soil mix is the best option for growing corn plants. Make sure the soil has good drainage because its roots don’t do well in standing water.

Water

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy during the growing season (spring through fall). Reduce watering in the late fall to winter. However, never let the soil completely dry out. Soil that is too wet or too dry will lead to plant health issues.

Temperature and Humidity

Corn plant do best in temperatures from 60-75 F. Avoid exposing them to temperatures in the 50s F. If you temporarily moved your corn plants outdoors for the summer, make sure to bring them indoors before temperatures reach this point.

Maintain humidity levels between 40 to 50 percent, which mimics the plant’s native environment. To raise the plant’s humidity, use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of water and pebbles. Do not let the bottom of the pot touch the water. You can also mist the leaves regularly.

Fertilizer

Corn plants prefer organically rich soil. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every other month throughout the growing season and feed sparingly, if at all, over the winter.