Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana') Care: Easy Tree-Like Houseplant

Classic & Hardy

Unbranched, tree-like with sword-shaped arching leaves (2 ft long, 4 in wide) with a central yellow stripe. Sheds lower leaves with age, forming a bare trunk topped with a leaf cluster.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright indirect. Tolerates low light.
• Water: Spring–fall: moist not soggy. Winter: allow top 2 inches to dry.
• Humidity: Average to moderate.
• Temp: 60–75°F. No <55°F.
• Soil: Well-draining mix.
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring–fall, half-strength balanced liquid.

Maintenance

• Overwatering = yellow droopy leaves = root rot risk. Drainage holes mandatory.
• Prune to control height—cut cane at any height; new cluster sprouts.
• Repot spring only when root-bound (every 3 years). Likes slightly tight pots; heavy container prevents toppling.

Propagation

4–6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring/summer in moist mix.

Long-lived, forgiving, architectural.