# Corn Tree Help
Corn trees (Dracaena fragrans) are tall, lush plants in the Agave family, and bear no relation to the vegetable plant of the same name. These plants grow stiff trunks and long, slim, dropping leaves, and thrive in both outdoor gardens and indoor pots. As tropical plants, they come with some specific considerations.
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Season and Growing Zone
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Corn plants produce new growth -- and sometimes flowers -- from spring to fall, and live for many years. They can reach 20 feet in height in outdoor growing sites. These are tropical plants, and survive outdoor planting only in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 11.
Soil and Pot
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Gardeners in most growing zones should grow corn trees in pots and inside to protect them. Choose a heavy 10- to 15-gallon pot with a drainage hole to give the corn tree space, balance and drainage. Don't use large pots, as these trees do best when root bound. Use peat moss, garden loam or potting soil for quick drainage and nutrition.
Site and Temperatures
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Corn trees tolerate low light but do best with bright, warn natural or artificial light. Avoid direct light, which many burn the corn tree, and utilize north-, east- or south-facing windows. Corn trees thrive in temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees F, and fail in temperatures under 55 degrees F. They die in frost. Keep them outdoors and in appropriate locations during the summer, but move them into the house well before frost.
Maintenance
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Water the corn tree with 2 inches of water whenever the top 2 inches of potting soil dries. Corn trees thrive in moist soil but don't tolerate mud or standing water. Give the tree balanced water-soluble fertilizer at half power once a month during spring, summer and fall. Use a tall stake to secure and balance the tree and prune out the center growth to maintain shape and size.
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