Reviving a Frost‑Damaged Dracaena (Corn Plant)

A Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ (corn plant) suffered frost damage: most leaves shriveled and turned brown. The owner asked if Epsom salts could revive it.

Epsom Salts Won’t Help

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) encourage blooming in flowering plants; they do not resurrect dead tissue.

Recovery Steps

1. Cut off all dead foliage, but leave the trunk and any lowest leaves that still show green.
2. If the root system is intact, the plant will push new growth fairly quickly.
3. Keep the plant warm (above 50°F/10°C) and in bright light.

Prevention

Bring tropical plants indoors whenever temperatures threaten to drop below 50°F.