Knowledge Builders

how do you care for a dracaena corn plant

by Joy Greenholt DVM Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  • Planting a Corn Plant. An ideal spot for the cornstalk dracaena is one that's bright without being in direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
  • Apply Fertilizer Seasonally. From spring through fall, a corn plant needs monthly feeding with a liquid fertilizer specifically for houseplants.
  • Watering Year-Round. Water your corn plant regularly in spring, summer and early fall. In late fall, allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Winter Care. In the winter, keep your corn plant looking lush by spraying the leaves with room-temperature water.
  • Pests and Pest Solutions. While generally resistant to most pests, you may find scale insects and spider mites bother your corn plant.
  • Trimming and Size Maintenance. While a corn plant doesn't require pruning, you can trim the stalk to keep it from getting too big. ...

How often should you water a corn plant?

When to Water Sweet Corn

  • Sowing Sweet Corn. When growing corn in backyard, amending and watering the soil before sowing sweet corn provides moist conditions for the sprouting seeds.
  • Watering Corn Plants. Water young sweet corn plants regularly so that the soil stays moist, and spread mulch to help retain soil moisture.
  • Irrigating Maturing Plants. ...
  • Fertilizing Sweet Corn. ...

How to repot a corn plant?

How to Root a Corn Plant

  1. Top the corn plant using long-handled shears. Cut off the top of your corn plant. ...
  2. Cut the cane in pieces. Use pruning shears to divvy up the cut cane into 3-inch pieces. ...
  3. Prepare the planting pot. ...
  4. Bury the pieces in the soil. ...
  5. Transplant the sprouted cane. ...
  6. Fertilize appropriately. ...

How do you care for a corn plant indoors?

Indoor Corn Plant Care Instructions

  • Potting. Corn plants require soil that retains moisture without drying out quickly but drains well enough so it doesn't become soggy or waterlogged.
  • Light and Temperature. Place corn plants in a location that receives bright but indirect sunlight, such as near a south-facing window.
  • Water and Fertilizer. ...
  • Problems. ...

How do you care for corn plants?

Taking Care of Your Corn Plants

  • Provide Plenty of Sunshine. One of the most important things to do if you are growing corn plants is to make sure they have access to plenty of sun.
  • Fertilize Regularly. ...
  • Water, Water, Water. ...
  • Weed Control. ...
  • Pest and Disease Control. ...
  • Keeping Corn Plants Healthy Increases Yield. ...

image

How do you care for an indoor corn plant?

Corn plants prefer daytime temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees F and 65 to 70 degrees F during the night. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not soggy and they only need fertilizer every 6 months. Although dracaena can take low light conditions, they do best when placed in bright but indirect light.

Should I cut the brown tips off my corn plant?

Yes, if your corn Plant has brown tips, you can safely remove these. The best way to do this is to cut off most of the brown tip, but leave a thin margin of brown, without cutting into the healthy tissue. If you do cut into healthy tissue, it is likely that the brown tip will recur in time.

How much light does a Dracaena corn plant need?

Dracaena corn plant prefers temperatures between 65 and 70 F. (16-24 C.). Corn plant tolerates full to low light, but performs best in light shade or indirect or filtered sunlight. Too much light will scorch the leaves.

How long do Dracaena corn plants live?

2 - 3 yearsYou will find the lower leaves on this plant turn yellow after a period of time which is normal, and the leaves on this plant only have a life span of 2 - 3 years anyway.

How do I know if my corn plant is dying?

Droopy, Yellowing Leaves If your corn plant's leaves are yellow and starting to sag, that's a symptom of dehydration and can also be a sign of root rot, which is caused by leaving the plant in standing water.

Do corn plants like coffee grounds?

Also, backyard sweet corn needs plenty of nitrogen, so use a soil amendment that can increase this nutrient in your soil. Compost, coffee grounds, or an organic fertilizer works perfectly.

Why does my Dracaena have brown tips?

Dracaena's are extremely sensitive to excess fluoride. In certain municipalities, fluoride is added to drinking water and can make levels too high for Dracaena. This will accumulate in soil from irrigation water and can cause yellowing of leaf tips and margins which progresses to brown as the toxicity builds up.

Why is my Dracaena corn plant turning yellow?

The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Dracaena plants is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Your Dracaena likes to be kept damp (but not wet or saturated!), so keeping a regular watering schedule is key.

How often should I water my Dracaena?

every 10-14 daysDracaena trees prefer the soil to dry between waterings, but not completely through the pot. Typically, watering every 10-14 days will keep the soil with a nice even level of moisture.

Can I cut the top off my corn plant?

1:462:58Prune this: Pruning a "Corn Plant" Dracaena Massangeana - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo don't be afraid to trim your corn plants. Remember the best spot is 3 or 4 inches above theMoreSo don't be afraid to trim your corn plants. Remember the best spot is 3 or 4 inches above the original sprout off the big thick cane.

Can you cut the top off a dracaena plant?

The good news is that pruning dracaena plants isn't difficult. These sturdy plants tolerate trims with little complaint, and you can cut back a dracaena to any height you like.

When should I repot my corn plant?

Should I repot my corn plant? Lots of roots spilling out of the nursery pot means your plant's growth is being restricted. To give the roots some space and help your plant to grow taller, change the pot to one that's a couple of inches bigger. You should only need to do this every two or three years.

How do I trim the brown leaves on my Corn Plant?

1:072:32How to Cut the Leaves From a Corn Plant - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you do is you clip the the leaves. Right along the base of the cane where there clip damagedMoreSo what you do is you clip the the leaves. Right along the base of the cane where there clip damaged leaves off at the leaf base as close to the cane or stem as possible.

What do you do about brown leaves on a Corn Plant?

Its leaves turn brown. Leaves also brown if you give your corn plant too much water, and you'll see leaf-tip browning if you forget to water for a few weeks. Corn plants love humidity, so you might spray the leaves with water or place the container on a large dish with pebbles and a little water.

What do you do when the tips of leaves turn brown?

If your plant is sporting crispy, dark or brown tips on the leaves, it may mean you need to water more often. Check the soil moisture, and slowly reduce the number of days in between watering. Watch your plants for signs of improvement.

Why are the tips of my dracaena turning brown?

Dracaena's are extremely sensitive to excess fluoride. In certain municipalities, fluoride is added to drinking water and can make levels too high for Dracaena. This will accumulate in soil from irrigation water and can cause yellowing of leaf tips and margins which progresses to brown as the toxicity builds up.

Why are the tips of the dracaena leaves turning crispy and brown?

The tips of your dracaena's leaves will turn crispy and brown when your plant is too dry and needs water. This often goes along with wrinkles on th...

What kind of soil does a dracaena need?

A dracaena needs very well-draining soil, as this plant is very sensitive to overwatering. When you're using well-draining soil, your Dracaena gets...

Is a dracaena susceptible to pests?

A dracaena is a very tough plant, but is susceptible for pests when it's weakest: when it's very dry or overwatered. When this happens, it's suscep...

Does a dracaena need fertilizer?

Dracaenas don't really need to be fertilized, because they grow very slowly. Adding a little bit of fertilizer will help it to grow a little faster...

How to keep dracaenas happy?

Since these plants like an average amount of humidity, up to 50% humidity is fine. When the humidity drops below 30%, which usually only happens in winter, mist the foliage every few days to keep your dracaena happy.

How much light do dracaenas need?

Provide 2-4 hours of indirect sunlight daily for the healthiest foliage. Dracaenas grow best when they get 2-4 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. They will tolerate less light, but growth will slow down significantly and they won’t look as green and leafy.

How cold can dracaenas get?

Maintain a comfortable temperature of 60–70 °F (16–21 °C). At night, 50–55 °F (10–13 °C) is fine, but don’t let the temperature drop more than that. Dracaenas do not tolerate cold well. If your dracaena is positioned near a window during cold weather, pull it away so that no foliage is touching the cold glass.

How tall do dracaenas grow?

Also, trim off brown or unhealthy leaves at the nodes, which is where leaves sprout from the branch. Dracaenas can grow 2–10 feet (0.61–3.05 m) tall, although indoor plants typically max out at 6 feet (1.8 m) tall. You can also trim your dracaena into a particular shape, if you’d like.

What is a dracaena plant?

This article has been viewed 16,097 times. Dracaena plants are hardy houseplants with a lush, tropical appearance and strap-shaped leaves. They’re attractive, easy to maintain, and can tolerate low light conditions, which makes them popular indoor plants in homes and offices.

Why are my dracaena leaves turning yellow?

If you notice that the leaves have brown tips, you may be overwatering. Yellow foliage typically indicates that your plant needs more water. Tip: Dracaenas are sensitive to flouride, which is commonly found in tap water. Use distilled or bottled water for the best results.

How to keep pests out of my garden?

3. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to prevent pests. One of the easiest ways to prevent pests is to regularly wipe down the foliage with a damp cloth. Be gentle and be sure to wipe down the underside of the leaves, as well.

How Much Sun Does a Corn Plant Need?

Fragrans is one of the lower light Dracaena species. Most dracaena plants merely survive in low light, but require more light to truly thrive.

How Much Space Does a Corn Plant Need?

Dracaena fragrans can reach heights of up to 50 feet in their native tropical African climate. However, as a houseplant, you won’t need to accommodate that much space for them.

How Often Do You Water a Corn Plant?

The amount of water you give your plant can vary based on many factors such as pot size, soil type, humidity levels, amount of sun, and geographic location. Therefore, it’s tricky to say exactly how often to water any houseplant.

When should I feed corn plants?

Corn plant doesn’t need feeding during the colder months. I usually feed mine once in March and again in June.

How to propagate corn?

The easiest way to propagate Corn Plant is to take a cutting from the cane. I would do this when you’re pruning the plant down to a smaller size anyway. Allow the cane to dry, then plant it in moist potting soil. Make sure the bottom or cut part of the cane is touching the soil and roots should form.

What is a corn plant?

Corn Plant ( Dracaena fragrans) is named for its shiny green leaves and woody stalk that mimic the look of an actual corn plant. As it matures, it develops a solid stem, and the leaves concentrate at the top of the stems. It can grow as tall as your ceiling if you let it!

What kind of soil should I use for houseplants?

Plant in a commercial potting soil formulated for houseplants. I like this one by Happy Frog because it contains mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial soil microbes, but any high-quality and well-draining potting soil will work fine.

Where to put houseplants in humidifier?

You can also place the plant on a humidity tray (a tray filled with pebbles and water) and/or place it near a high-quality humidifier. See my favorite houseplant humidifier review (the one I’m using right now), or click here to view it directly on Amazon.

How cold can a sage plant survive?

However, it can survive temperatures as low as 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) for short periods.

Why is it important to water canes evenly?

When watering, it’s important to water evenly over the entire surface of the soil to avoid rotting the canes.

How to propagate dracaena?

As you can see in the picture at the to, all leaves grow out of the ends of stems on the Dracaena. All you have to do is cut the stem about 3 inches under the leaves at the top and put that back in the soil. This stem will start to grow roots. At the same time, the now exposed stem on the parent plant will start to grow new leaves, and eventually stems as well. The plants might grow slowly, but by propagating them, you can very quickly have a lot of them.

How to make a dracaena grow straight?

To ensure that your Dracaena grows as straight as possible, make sure you give it enough light or rotate the plant regularly. During the winter months, when the sun isn't as powerful, it's perfectly fine to put a Dracaena closer to a big window. The direct sunlight won't leave burn spots.

How to kill mealy bugs?

When you're dealing with mealy bugs, the stick cotton like spots, it's easiest to kill them with rubbing alcohol. You can do this by dabbing them with a q-tip that has soaked in the rubbing alcohol. If this doesn't work, you can also use a plant spray and cover the whole plant that way.

What happens when you water a dracaena?

When your dracaena is under watered, it'll start to show wrinkles on its stems and the tips of the leaves with start to dry out, turning crispy and brown. When this happens, water your plant as soon as you can and watch the wrinkles disappear on your dracaena.

How to get rid of black spots on a plant?

This is a pretty tough thing to get rid of. If it's not going away by itself, a way to get rid of it is by cutting all of the leaves off.

Is a dracaena easy to take care of?

Dracaenas are easy plants, but there are a few things you need to remember when taking care of one. In this post, we're going through some essential aspects of taking care of a Dracaena and some mistakes we've personally made to help you avoid those mistakes.

Is dracaena a good plant?

The Dracaena is quite well protected against pests and diseases. That doesn't mean pests and diseases won't happen. When the plant is too dry for too long it's susceptible to mealy bugs and spider mites.

What temperature does a Dracaena plant like?

Dracaena corn plant prefers temperatures between 65 and 70 F. (16-24 C.). Corn plant tolerates full to low light, but performs best in light shade or indirect or filtered sunlight. Too much light will scorch the leaves.

How many species of dracaena are there?

Dracaena is a large genus with at least 110 species of shrubby plants and trees, including Dracaena fragrans, a slow-growing plant with glossy green, lance-shaped leaves. The leaves may be solid green or variegated, depending on the variety.

What is a corn plant?

What is a corn plant? Also known as mass cane, dracaena corn plant ( Dracaena fragrans) is a well-known indoor plant, especially popular for its beauty and easy growing habit. Dracaena corn plant, which grows happily in a variety of conditions with very little attention, is a favorite of novice gardeners. Let’s learn how to grow a corn plant.

How to keep potting soil from turning brown?

Water as needed to keep the potting soil evenly moist, as excessively dry soil causes the leaf tips to turn brown and dry. However, beware of overwatering. Slightly dry is better than soggy. Decrease watering during the winter, but never allow the soil to become bone dry.

Can dracaena corn survive frost?

Native to tropical Africa, dracaena corn plant won’t survive frosty weather, although it is suitable for growing outdoors in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. Dracaena corn plant has also been recognized by NASA’s Clean Air Study as a plant that aids in removal of indoor pollutants, including xylene, ...

How to keep corn plants from growing so fast?

If the weather outside gets very hot, you should turn the leaves away from the sun to minimize damage. When repotting these plants, be very careful not to damage the root system. You can expect your corn plant to grow fairly quickly. Keeping it in a low light environment will slow down its growth rate.

How big does a corn plant grow?

These plants can grow up to 180 inches tall with a maximum spread of 48 inches. You will therefore have to carefully choose a spot where it will have room to grow out. 9. Flowers. The flowers that this corn plant produces are very potent with a sweet fragrance that you’ll likely find very pleasing.

What zone do you grow corn in?

Climate. These plants can be grown in plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. They thrive in moderate climates that are not too hot or cold. How To Transplant & Move A Fern. 4. Soil. You should keep your corn plant in soil that is moderately dry and drains well.

Why do my plants have brown spots on their leaves?

These plants can also form brown spots on the leaves, which usually happens when it outgrows its container. This is why it is so important that you keep checking the root system to see if it is time to repot.

How fast does corn grow?

Corn plant grows at a moderately fast speed, but much less so when it is kept in a low light environment. You can significantly speed up the growth of this plant by simply providing it with a healthy amount of natural sunlight throughout each day.

Do plants need curtains or blinds?

If you keep your plant inside in front of a western-facing window, it should have curtains or blinds to filter the light. The fact is that these plants don’t do very well when they are bombarded with bright sunlight throughout the day.

Can you water corn plants?

Corn plants should be kept out of direct sunlight. If you keep on of these plants inside near a western-facing window, it should have curtains or blinds. You should thoroughly soak the soil of this plant each time you water it. Make sure that the soil is fairly dry before watering it again.

How Much Humidity Does Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant) Need?

For Dracaena fragrans plants to thrive, aim for humidity levels between 40 and 50 percent. So, corn plants should thrive in average room humidity. Brown tips on the leaves mean you should increase air moisture levels. Mist the plants once a week or wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.

How to propagate dracaena?

The way to propagate a Dracaena plant is to cut the woody stem into three pieces. You will have the crown section, the root section, and a middle part. First, cut off the crown, leaving about 5” (12 cm) of the stem. Plant the newly-cut stem in a pot with a fresh, sterile potting mix.

Why are corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) leaves turning yellow?

If the leaves lose their green color and become pale yellow, overwatering is usually to blame. Too much soil moisture often causes weak, limp leaves and a soft, mushy stem. The best way to save your plant is to hold off watering until the top 2” (5 cm) of soil dries completely.

Why have leaves on my Dracaena fragrans got brown tips?

Brown tips on the pointed green Dracaena leaves are due to lack of water or lack of humidity. Make sure and water your corn plant as often as needed—when the soil is partly dry. If the soil is moist, and you still get brown tips, try increasing humidity by misting the plant every other day.

What is the most common type of corn plant?

The most common type of corn plant is the Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ (also called mass cane plant ). This cultivar thrives in bright light, and its glossy green foliage has a lime green or yellow stripe running the length of its center. The other popular cornstalk plants are the cultivars Dracaena fragrans ‘Lindenii’ ...

What is the color of the leaves on Dracaena fragrans?

Growing in low light or bright light, the Dracaena fragrans produces glossy green foliage. The broad lanceolate leaves form an attractive crown of arching leaves at the top of a woody stem, which gives the corn plant the appearance of a small tree.

Why are my corn plants brown?

Common Dracaena Fragrans Plant Diseases. Most diseases that affect corn plants are the result of overwatering. Plant roots that sit in waterlogged or overly damp soil can develop fungal or bacterial diseases. These issues can cause soggy stems, brown spots on leaves, and—eventually—death.

How to keep corn plants from scorching?

See pruning tip above to keep your corn plant to control its height. Light: Bright light. Will tolerate low light. Brown scorch marks on leaves are caused by hot, direct sunlight. Water: Spring through fall, keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In winter, allow top 2 in (5 cm) of soil to dry out between waterings.

How big are Dracaena leaves?

This hardy Dracaena is an unbranched, tree-like plant with sword-shaped arching leaves. Those dark-green leaves are 2 ft (60 cm) long and 4 in (10 cm) wide , and have a broad cream-to-yellow stripe down the middle.

Why are my corn plants yellow?

Droopy, yellow leaves are a sign it's overwatered and may indicate root rot. Be sure to use a container with a drainage hole and never allow the plant to stand in water. Prune corn plant back if it grows too tall. If you want, you can propagate the stem tip cuttings for more plants.

How long does corn last indoors?

Good indoor corn plant care will allow you to enjoy your plant for many years -- it's a long-lived house plant.

Why are my houseplants' leaves turning brown?

Here's how to repot a houseplant. Brown leaf tips are typically a symptom of low humidity, the soil is too dry or the plant may be getting too much direct sunlight. Trim off brown leaf tips and move the plant out of direct sun. Keep soil moist, but remember not to overwater.

Is Dracaena fragrans a good house plant?

Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'. Corn plant care is easy, making it an ideal house plant. It's good for you too, because it naturally cleans the air. This is one of the best house plants for removing indoor air toxins such as formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and toluene. Leaves of the corn plant.

image

1.Videos of How Do You Care for a Dracaena Corn Plant

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+care+for+a+dracaena+corn+plant&qpvt=how+do+you+care+for+a+dracaena+corn+plant&FORM=VDRE

4 hours ago  · Corn Plant Care Light. The ideal indoor location for this plant is near a window with filtered sunlight. Too little light will result in... Soil. A loose, loamy potting soil mix is the best option for growing corn plants. Make sure the soil has good drainage... Water. Keep the soil …

2.Corn Plant (Dracaena): Plant Care & Growing Guide - The …

Url:https://www.thespruce.com/grow-dracaena-fragrans-indoors-1902748

35 hours ago  · Corn plants can acclimate to lower light levels than most other dracaenas. You will notice more vigorous growth if you give this plant more light. However, growth in low light …

3.How To Care For Dracaena Corn Plant? — Plants & House

Url:https://plantsandhouse.com/how-to-care-for-dracaena-corn-plant/

13 hours ago  · In this video I go through all aspects of Dracaena (also known as the Dragon Tree or Corn Plant) plant care, from how to water this easy care indoor plant to...

4.Corn Plant Care Guide: How to Care for Dracaena …

Url:https://houseplanthelp.com/corn-plant-care/

14 hours ago

5.How to care for a Dracaena - Plant care for Beginners

Url:https://plantcareforbeginners.com/articles/how-to-care-for-dracaena

32 hours ago

6.What Is A Corn Plant – Tips For Growing A Dracaena …

Url:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/dracaena/how-to-grow-dracaena-corn-plant.htm

17 hours ago

7.Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) Care & Growing Guide

Url:https://www.hobbyplants.com/corn-plant-dracaena-fragrans-care/

7 hours ago

8.Dracaena Fragrans (Corn Plant): Care and Growing Guide

Url:https://leafyplace.com/dracaena-fragrans-corn-plant-care-and-growing-guide/

6 hours ago

9.Dracaena Plant Care 101 | Dragon Tree and Corn Plant

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGb9QZs8YzA

19 hours ago

10.Corn Plant Care Tips - Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana'

Url:https://www.guide-to-houseplants.com/corn-plant.html

2 hours ago

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9