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Corn plant

How to identify Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Corn plant, also known as Fragrant dracaena, Happy plant

Corn plant is an evergreen perennial that typically presents as an interior shrub. This plant can be identified by its tall, unbranched stem that supports a cluster of spirally arranged, broad, strap-like leaves. Each individual leaf can be characterized by its linear-lanceolate shape, generally measuring 1 to 4 inches (2.5 to 10 cm) in width, with one or two central stripes varying from yellow to white. While blossoms are rare indoors, the plant is known to produce sweetly scented flowers.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Corn plant

1

Strap-like leaves, 1-4 inches wide with yellow to white stripes.

2

Downward hanging panicles of highly fragrant, pink to white flowers.

3

Small, globular berries, 0.4-0.8 inches in vivid reddish-orange.

4

Unbranched, woody stem, 6-10 feet tall, light gray to tan.

5

Glossy green leaves, 2-3 feet long, variegated with white or yellow stripes.

Corn plantCorn plantCorn plantCorn plantCorn plant

Detailed Traits of Corn plant

Leaf Features

The leaves of corn plant are glossy green and can be variegated with white or yellow stripes. They grow 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) long and 3-5 inches (7-12 cm) wide. The leaves are linear-lanceolate with an acute apex and prominent midrib. Younger leaves are erect and spreading, while older leaves droop. The leaves are smooth, simple, and arranged spirally, forming a rosette atop a woody stem. Their texture is smooth and glossy, and they resemble corn leaves.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,
Linear ,
Ensiform

Corn plant Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Attenuate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Corn plant Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Corn plant Leaf Apex image
Leaf Margin

Entire ,
Undulate

Corn plant Leaf Margin image
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Flower Features

The flowers of corn plant appear in downward hanging panicles, measuring 20–60 inches (50–150 cm) long, originating from the apical tip. Each small flower, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, features a six-lobed fused corolla. Initially pink, the flowers gradually turn white, adorned with a fine central line in red or purple on each lobe. They are highly fragrant, especially at night, making them a distinctive feature for identification.

Corn plant Flower imageCorn plant Flower imageCorn plant Flower image
Corolla Type

Rosaceous

Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Corn plant Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

The stem of corn plant is unbranched and woody, featuring a smooth texture with a straight, columnar form. It displays a light gray to tan color, with a thickness ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. The sturdy stem can grow to a height of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters), furnishing a solid support structure for the plant. Smooth scars from fallen leaves dots the length of the stem, ensuring easy identification.

Corn plant Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of corn plant is a distinguishing feature, albeit rarely seen in domestic settings. It presents as a petite, globular berry, measuring approximately 0.4 - 0.8 inches (1 - 2 cm) in diameter. These berries flaunt a vivid reddish-orange hue, which can add a splash of color to the plant’s foliage. The surface texture of the fruit is typically smooth, reflecting a subtle sheen when it catches the light. Inside, the berry encompasses seeds that perpetuate the species' propagation in its natural habitat.

Corn plant Fruit image
Fruit Type

Berry

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Corn plant and Their Similar Plants

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Madagascar dragon tree vs. Corn plant: What's The Difference?
Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia) is an evergreen tree often cultivated as an ornamental or houseplant. It is no wonder why madagascar dragon tree is one of the most popular houseplants - its richly colored, olive-green leaves and thick stems are very aesthetic. Aside from the attractive looks, madagascar dragon tree is said to have good air-purifying qualities (as many indoor plants).
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Gold dust dracaena is treasured for its exotic look with variegated foliage. That is why outside its jungle home, you can encounter it potted in homes, offices, and stores. Its common name, 'Gold-dust,' comes from the yellow dots on the leaves that turn white with age. When translated from Latin, its scientific name, Dracaena surculosa, means 'Dragon shooting' (or 'shooting dragon').
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Key Facts About Corn plant

Attributes of Corn plant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub, Tree
Plant Height
4.5 m to 15 m
Spread
1 m
Leaf Color
Green
Variegated
Yellow
White
Red
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Green
Fruit Color
Red
Orange
Burgundy
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Corn plant
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Scientific Classification of Corn plant

Family
Asparagus
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Species
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
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Distribution Map of Corn plant

Corn plant originates from central Africa, where it grows in rainforest habitats. It has been widely cultivated as a houseplant and for landscaping. However, it has been listed as invasive in several tropical countries.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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