How to Maintain a Dracaena Massangeana Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana," often called the corn plant, has course green and yellow leaves that grow from thick canes and appear similar to the long leaves of grain corn. Many corn plants are sold with multiple heads on a cane, and multiple canes in a pot. These plants are easy to maintain and actually appear more attractive if left in low light with only occasional water. They have a graceful, tropical appearance appropriate for households, offices or shady areas in containers.

Fertilizer (3-1-2)

Instructions

- 1
  Plant in moisture-retentive potting soil that drains well, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. This plant tolerates loam, clay or sand. Maintain the air temperature at 65 to 90 F. Allow the plant plenty of room to grow, as it can reach up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
- 2
  Place the plant in an indoor location with moderate, indirect light or 63 to 73 percent shade, for best color production. Avoid placing in direct sunlight, which can cause brown spotting on leaves. Most low-lit areas of a house are appropriate and will highlight the color contrast between the green and yellow parts of the leaves.
- 3
  Water occasionally, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. The corn plant is drought tolerant and is susceptible to root rot if over watered.
- 4
  Apply monthly fertilizer containing three-parts nitrogen, one-part phosphorus and two-parts potassium, during growing season in spring and summer.
- 5
  Take stem cuttings to propagate. Cut a section of the cane without leaves and place it in growing medium horizontally. Provide moisture and wait for one or more stems to grow up from the cane.
- 6
  Stake the canes to support them, if needed. Canes tend to get top heavy over time.

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