How to care for corn plants

How to care for corn plants.  These plants are for indoor houseplant use and not be confused with “Corn Plants” that are grown for edible purposes. There is a lengthy list of Dracaena plants from the Lucky bamboo to the green Dracaena plant.  All Dracaena plants are easy to care for and are somewhat drought-tolerant.  Dracaena plant care advice.

The Size of Dracaena Fragrans

Depending on the type they will grow about five feet tall and two or three feet wide.  If you trim the bottom leaves, they will grow taller.  Use good well-draining potting soil for better growth. In its natural habitat, Dracaena Fragrans will produce a flower but rarely indoors.

Re-pot your Dracaena plant after about one year.  If grown correctly, Dracaenas should double in size in a year’s time. These plants are native to Africa and Sudan and are considered tropical plants. You can have them outdoors where there are no freezing temperatures, and they should be placed in shady conditions.  The bright direct Southwest sun will scald the foliage.

The Tornado Dracaena

A showy curvy display of leaves with light yellow edges.  Will grow anywhere indoors, however, you should not place it where there is direct sunlight.  Indirect sunlight works better on the north and east windows, and they will do well.   Let the plant dry out before watering again. The Tornado Dracaena is a hard-to-find plant. If you find it at your local nursery purchase it, and you will be happy you did.

The Striped Dracaena warnekii

Long shiny variegated leaves with light yellow stripes on their sides.  Use good loamy well-draining soil and be sure to let the soil dry out before watering again.   Grows up to five feet tall and almost three feet wide.  This beauty likes indirect sunlight and humidity.

The Limelight Dracaena

Glossy, shiny green leaves, and from my experience, it does not like cold temperatures or anything lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It will start to look bad if placed where the temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.  Furthermore, this Dracaena is a slow grower and like most Dracaena plants it needs good well-drained soil. Most people tend to overwater. You should let it dry out before watering again, typically about every 8-10 days or so.

The Common Green Dracaena Plant

The Common Green Dracaena Plant is what most local Nurseries will carry—also called the Cornstalk plant.  Dark green waxy leaves that are easy to care for.  It can tolerate low light or bright indirect light.

Fertilizing Dracaena Fragrans Plants

These plants do not need a lot of fertilizing, however, and if they do need some it is best to use a good water-soluble fertilizer.  I recommend Grow’ More’s 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer.

Problems with Dracaena Fragrans Plants

The most frequent problem is mealybugs.  White-cottony insects are hard to spot at first, but once they are infected with these bugs it can become a big problem.  First, isolate the plant and keep it away from other houseplants. It is best to act quickly and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.  Several applications should be done before these insects are gone.

Mealybugs love the shoots of new foliage that is where they first start to appear.  Again, act quickly and you will have a better chance of removing these plant pests.  If the plant is completely covered with these insects, it is best to wrap the plant in plastic and throw it into the garbage bin.

Are Dracaena plants Toxic?

Yes, they are toxic to dogs and cats. You can read more over at the ASPCA website.

How to care for corn plants