When a 20‑Year‑Old Corn Plant Blooms: What It Means and What to Do

A Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’ bloomed for the first time after 20 years. Fragrant flowers appeared.

Blooming Facts

• Occurs at ~15+ years old when rootbound.
• Flowers are night‑pollinated by tiny flies absent indoors → no seeds.
• Flowers smell strong, especially at night.

Care After Blooming

• Remove flowers to redirect energy to foliage.
• Yellow/brown leaf edges = too much light or water. Let dry well between waterings; keep in bright (not direct sun) location.
• Prune anytime for height; but root cuttings only in spring (after March 15).
• Staying rootbound encourages future blooms; repotting into a larger pot delays blooming for years.