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Corn plant
Also known as: Fragrant dracaena, Happy plant
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”
Scientific classification
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Toxic to Pets
Toxicity
Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub, Tree
Plant Type
Summer
Bloom Time
4.5 m to 15 m
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green, Variegated, Yellow, White, Red
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Red, Orange, Burgundy
Fruit Color
White, Yellow, Green
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Non-dormant
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 41 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Slow
Growth Rate

Images of Corn plant

Distribution of Corn plant

Distribution Map
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
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Understorey of montane forest, dense stands
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
You can grow corn plant in pots and containers, either as decoration indoors or on outdoor patios. Its most popular garden use is in Mediterranean gardens. Its showy, vibrant green coloring fits well with the aesthetic of this gardening style. Beginner gardeners can easily grow these hardy plants, either outdoors or in a pot.
Symbolism
Firmness, perseverance, longevity, wealth, good luck, knowledge of our true selves
Interesting Facts
Corn plant has a strong trunk with sword-shaped leaves. It is green and lustrous, full of vitality. It is mainly cultivated in greenhouses of botanical gardens in England and France. It was introduced to Europe from tropical Africa in the 1940s. By the 1970s, potted corn plant had become very popular in Europe and America, and became one of the most prominent decorative indoor plants. The annual output value of the plant is expected to reach 37.6 million U.S. dollars in the Netherlands, ranking the second largest in the Netherlands. Italy, Spain and other countries also have a certain scale of production. It is known as the "new star of foliage plants".
Name Story
Corn plant: The stem of this plant is very similar to that of a corn, so it is called the corn plant.
Fragrant dracaena: If the surface of its trunk is cut, it oozes red blood-like syrup like a bleeding dracaena, which is a Latin term for a female dragon. In addition, its flowers give out a fragrant scent which also contributes to its name fragrant dracaena.
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Toxicity

Corn plant contains saponin, a chemical that is severely toxic to pets. Ingestion by cats causes diarrhea, drooling, and weakness, leading to severe dehydration and death if untreated. Dogs show symptoms like vomiting (sometimes with blood), excessive drooling, and depression, along with difficult breathing and increased heart rate. Immediate vet consultation is crucial.
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RELATED: Toxicity of Corn plant

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.
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Care Guide for Corn plant

Every 2 weeks
Water
Partial sun
Sunlight
20 - 41 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Corn plant flourishes in moderate to high humidity, suiting its tropical origins. Drought-tolerant, it prefers consistent moisture and should be watered bi-weekly, allowing soil to dry slightly. Occasional misting enhances its lush foliage, making it a suitable indoor plant.
Fertilize: To ensure optimal health of corn plant, use high nitrogen fertilizers monthly during the growing season, reducing to quarterly in fall and pausing in winter. Water corn plant before feeding to prevent root burn, and adhere to the manufacturer's dosage to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning: Corn plant, with its long, arching leaves and cane-like stems, thrives with winter pruning to maintain shape and promote bushy growth. Trim dead leaves and leggy stems during dormancy to enhance appearance and overall health while preventing overgrowth.
Propagation: To propagate corn plant, take stem cuttings just below the leaf node and let them dry to form a callous. Use rooting hormone in a well-draining mix, maintain high humidity and warmth, and provide indirect sunlight for optimal root development and growth.
Repotting: Repot corn plant every 2-3 years in spring using a container one size larger. After repotting, maintain moist soil and provide bright, indirect light to aid recovery. Corn plant's resilience makes post-care easy, promoting lush foliage in a supportive environment.
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RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Corn plant
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