Corn plant care guideDracaena fragrans

Tall, palm-like; long leaves. Ranked #27 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) — a healthy specimen photographed indoors
Scientific name
Dracaena fragrans
Origin
Tropical Africa
Difficulty
Easy
Light
Medium / indirect light
Watering (summer)
every 7 to 10 days
Watering (winter)
every 14 to 21 days
Humidity
50-60%
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs

WateringWhen and how much water

Water Corn plant when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.

The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.

LightHow bright a spot it needs

Corn plant is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.

Pet safetyToxic to pets

Toxic to pets. The plant contains saponins, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Corn plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

Get the personalised schedule

Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Corn plant based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.

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FAQCommon questions

How often should I water a Corn plant?

Water your Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.

How much light does a Corn plant need?

Corn plant is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.

Is Corn plant safe for cats and dogs?

The plant contains saponins, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Corn plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Spider plant, Calathea, or Boston fern.

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