Plant Care Corn Plant

Corn Plant

About Corn Plant

Did you know the genus name Dracaena comes from the Greek for ‘female dragon’? Some plants in this genus have thick, red resin which was reminiscent of dragon blood! 🐲 Dracaenas are native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, and are known for being super easy to care for. Some species can go months without water, and many can grow well in low sunlight.

Taxonomy

Dracaena Lisa
Dracaena
Asparagaceae
Asparagales

How to care for Corn Plant

💦 Water

How often to water your Corn Plant

Water needs for Corn Plant
0.5 cups
every 12

Corn Plant needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Corn Plant

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Corn Plant in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Corn Plant: 6ft from a window
6ft or less from
a window

Corn Plant can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Corn Plant in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Corn Plant

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Corn Plant: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Corn Plant after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Corn Plant is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!


💦 Water Needs

Corn Plant thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Corn Plant can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.


💨 Humidity

Corn Plant enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.


🪴 Soil

Corn Plant is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!


💩 Fertilizer

Corn Plant grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Corn Plant to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Corn Plant is native to Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Corn Plant grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Corn Plant can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10-12. Find your local hardiness zone here.


🌱 Propagation

Corn Plant can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:

  • Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
  • To get the cutting to root, you can either:
    • Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
    • Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.

How to Propagate Corn Plant →


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Corn Plant

Corn Plant

Corn Plant


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 6ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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