Corn plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called dracaena massangeana, mass cane · Dracaena fragrans · Asparagaceae family
18 d in winter
How often to water the corn plant?
Allow about 10 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 18 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Very forgiving and copes with partial shade. Sensitive to hard water: let the water stand overnight before watering.
Misting every 10 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The corn plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 3–6 ft (1–2 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Brown tips
Cause: Hard or fluoridated water. What to do: Water with water that has stood overnight, or filtered water.
Soft trunk
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Let it dry out completely and water less.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the corn plant?
About every 10 days in spring and summer, and every 18 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the corn plant?
The corn plant likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the corn plant?
Yes, misting every 10 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the corn plant?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the corn plant safe?
The corn plant is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the corn plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.