Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
DRACAENA fragrans
Plant Common Name
Corn Plant, Dracaena
General Description
Corn plant is a slow-growing, upright evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical Africa. Its lush, arching leaves are sword-shaped and rise from upright stems. These are concentrated towards the upper part of the stems and look somewhat like the blades of corn plants. Mature landscape specimens produce long panicles of strongly scented white flowers in late summer to fall, followed by orange fruit.
Where hardy, corn plant may be grown in a sheltered, sunny site in fertile, well-drained soil. The leaves can become tattered in wind, so refrain from planting it in open, windy locations. Indoor specimens grow best in bright, indirect light and require high ambient humidity as well as consistent warmth. They also tend to grow better in denser, soil-based potting medium.
Corn plant cuttings root easily and can even be grown in water. They are commonly sold in the trade as "lucky bamboo" though they are not truly related to bamboo. The water-grown cuttings can be planted in soil once they begin to lose vigor.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H2, 21, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
4'-50' / 1.2m - 15.2m (25)
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Width
3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
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Native To
Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Tan, Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No