That's Not a Money Tree—It's a Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

A tall plant with long, corn-like leaves that blooms with fragrant evening flowers is often misidentified as a money tree. In fact, it’s Dracaena fragrans, commonly called the corn plant or cornstalk dracaena.

Key Identification

• Sturdy, cane-like stems with arching, strap-shaped leaves.
• Flowers are small, white, and intensely fragrant at night (often removed because the scent can be overpowering indoors).
• Thrives in bright, indirect light; tolerates lower light but grows slowly.

Why It Bloomed

Indoor blooming is rare and usually triggered by bright light and maturity. Your plant received enough light to initiate flowering—a sign of good care.

Care Tips

• Water when the top inch of soil is dry; avoid soggy soil.
• Fertilize monthly in spring/summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
• Wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust.
• Repot only when severely root-bound (every 3–5 years).

Enjoy the fragrant blooms, but don’t expect them annually—they’re a bonus, not a guarantee.