How to care for your Corn Plant

How to care for your Corn Plant

Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong

The Corn Plant, scientifically known as Dracaena fragrans, is an evergreen shrub native to tropical Africa. At our nursery, we love this plant for its ability to adapt to different light conditions and its elegant appearance, which brings a touch of nature and serenity to any environment.

The right location

The Corn Plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate lower-light conditions. It is important to avoid direct exposure to sunlight, which could damage the leaves. Place it in a well-lit corner of your home for the best results.

Illustrated guide: place the Corn Plant near a window with indirect light
The right location for your plant

When and how to water it

Water your Dracaena fragrans when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the summer, this may mean watering every 7 days, while every 14 days will be sufficient in winter. To check the soil moisture, insert a finger into the substrate: if it feels dry, it is time to water.

Annual watering schedule for the Corn Plant, with different frequencies in summer and winter
The watering schedule throughout the year

Temperature and humidity

The Corn Plant thrives in an environment with temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. It is important to maintain air humidity between 40% and 60% to prevent the leaf tips from turning brown. Make sure the temperature never drops below 10 degrees Celsius.

Thermometer with ideal temperature range and humidity bar for the Corn Plant
Comfortable temperature and humidity

The right fertilizer

During spring and summer, we recommend fertilizing your Dracaena fragrans every 30 days with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will help the plant maintain vigorous growth and lush green foliage.

The pot and soil

Use well-draining soil composed of peat and perlite to ensure good drainage. Repotting should be done when the plant has outgrown its current pot, preferably in spring.

How to propagate it

The corn plant is propagated through stem cuttings, a method of moderate difficulty. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer to ensure good rooting.

Our final advice

The corn plant is a plant that brings joy and beauty into the home with little care. Remember to regularly check the soil moisture and place it in a bright spot protected from direct sunlight. With this care, your Dracaena fragrans will reward you with a healthy, lush appearance.

— Giulia's Gardens

Verified care data

These data come directly from the validated botanical profile used to generate the guide.

Light
medium · Bright indirect light; also tolerates lower-light conditions.
Watering
7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. · Insert a finger into the soil to check the moisture.
Temperature
18 °C ideal minimum · 24 °C ideal maximum · 10 °C tolerated minimum · 30 °C tolerated maximum
Humidity
moderate · 40% minimum · 60% maximum
Fertilization
balanced liquid fertilizer · spring–summer · 30 days
Propagation
stem cutting · moderate · Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer.