Dracaena fragrans, the Corn Plant, is a classic indoor tree with thick woody canes topped by rosettes of broad, arching, glossy green leaves, often with a central yellow stripe (cultivar 'Massangeana'). Its upright, layered form brings height and a relaxed tropical feel to homes and offices. Extremely tolerant of low light and irregular watering, it is among the most forgiving houseplants in India. Slow-growing and long-lived, it is well known as an air-purifying plant. Mature plants may occasionally produce intensely fragrant white flowers. Ideal for filling corners and brightening interiors with minimal effort.
Specifications
| Family |
Asparagaceae |
| Native region |
Tropical Africa |
| Mature height |
1-2.5 m indoors |
| Mature spread |
0.6-1.2 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow |
| Foliage |
Broad arching glossy green, often yellow-striped |
| Flower colour |
White, highly fragrant (rare indoors) |
| Flower season |
Occasionally in maturity |
| Climate zone |
Tropical to subtropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect light; tolerates low light |
| Watering |
Water when top half of soil dries |
| Soil / mix |
Well-draining loamy mix with perlite |
| Temperature |
18-30 C; protect below 12 C |
| Humidity |
Average room humidity is adequate |
| Fertilizer |
Light balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Cut canes to control height and encourage shoots |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years; tolerates snug roots |
| Propagation |
Cane and tip cuttings |
| Pests & problems |
Spider mites, mealybugs, scale occasionally |
| Toxicity / safety |
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested |
| Difficulty |
Very easy |
Uses
Floor-standing accent tree for homes, offices and lobbies. A reliable low-light, air-purifying plant that fills empty corners gracefully.
Growing tips
Use filtered water to prevent fluoride-related leaf-tip browning. In India it thrives in bright shade indoors; keep it away from cold AC vents and harsh direct sun.