Care of the indoor plant Dracaena fragrans or Corn plant |
The genus Dracaena, family Asparagaceae, comprises 40 species of trees and shrubs native to Africa, Asia and Central America. Some species are: Dracaena fragrans, Dracaena surculosa, Dracaena draco,Dracaena marginata, Dracaena sanderiana, Dracaena reflexa. Common names: Corn plant, Cornstalk dracaena, Striped dracaena, Compact dracaena, Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Treejanet craig plant, Ribbon Plant, Striped Dragon Palm, Warneckei Dracaena. This species is native to Tropical Africa. They are low-branched shrubby plants that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The ornamental leaves are bright green with light streaks and arranged in a rosette. They produce scented flowers but do not usually bloom in pots. Corn plant is used as indoor, greenhouse and terrace and patio plants. In regions with a subtropical climate it's used as isolated specimens in the garden. Dracaena fragrans needs a light exposure but without direct sun. The temperature should not be less than 15 ºC (59 ºF); Avoid sudden temperature changes. The ideal soil is a mixture of equal parts of normal garden soil, peat and coarse sand. Transplant every 2 years, renewing the substrate. Water frequently with a small amount of lime-free water, preventing the substrate from drying out completely; in winter water moderately. Periodically spray the leaves with lime-free water to achieve high humidity. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants during spring and summer. Striped dracaena is prone to mite attack if the humidity is low. Cornstalk dracaena is fairly easily propagated by apical cuttings. |
Images of the indoor plant Dracaena fragrans or Corn plant |