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The dracaena massangeana, like all other dracaenas, are tolerant of low light,
missed watering, and general neglect. This dracaena, nicknamed the corn plant, is especially
popular because of its long graceful green leaves, which have a yellow and light green stripe running down the center. These
leaves grow out of a central woody stalk much like a corn stalk. When small these plants can sit on a table, but their claim
to fame is as a stately cane plant growing up to 10-12 feet tall. Be sure there are
at least three canes at staggered heights in the pot when purchasing a corn plant. This insures that as it grows the massangeana
will always look full and lush
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CARE OF DRACAENA MASSANGEANA
Light: A massangeana or corn plant can survive in low light but will grow faster and produce larger leaves in medium to bright
indirect light: . Unlike the very low light dracaena janet craig with its deep green leaves, the yellow and light green in the leaves
of a massangeana require better light.
Water: Like all dracaenas, the top
several inches of the soil need to dry out before you water; when in doubt do not water. A dracaena can always survive under
watering but will quickly die from over watering. If your plant is in a tall pot use a water meter to test the moisture at
the bottom of the pot. The leaves of a massangeana are damaged by water that contains fluoride. If your water does contain
fluoride let it sit out for 48 hours so the fluoride can dissipate.
Temperature:
Temperatures anywhere from 65-80 degrees are ideal.
Fertilizer: Feed a corn
plant monthly in the spring and summer but never in the fall and winter.
Pests:
A massangeana may get mealy bugs or spider mites. These can be treated with the green solution. Keeping the large leaves clean and dust free helps you notice infestations before they become serious.
Pruning: The leaves of a corn plant can be trimmed with a clean wet scissors; clean so that
pests are not transmitted from plant to plant and wet to prevent yellowing in the cut areas.
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| Dracaena Massangeana Cane |
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| Dracaena Massangeana Stump |
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DRACAENA MASSANGEANA (CORN PLANT) FAQ’S
1. I know someone who has a corn plant that bloomed, mine never has. How can I get it to
bloom?
Corn plants do not bloom easily or often. These are some of the conditions that need to be met and even
then your plant probably won’t bloom. The plant needs to be mature, at least 5-7ft. tall. It needs to be in very bright
light but no direct sun. The humidity in the room needs to be very high. On the bright side, the flower has a strong scent
that many find offensive so maybe you really don’t want your plant to bloom.
2.
The stalks on my plant are getting mushy and bending. Should I stake the plant?
Your plant is severely over watered.
Cut off the stalks below the rotten areas and don’t water until the soil in thoroughly dried out.
3.The very new growth on my corn plant is turning a muddy brown color.
The plant needs more water.
4. Can I put my corn plant outside for the summer?
Yes, but be sure to never
let it be in the direct sun. After only a few minutes in the direct sun the leaves will be badly burned. Be sure to bring
it inside before the temperatures go below 60, a massangeana is very sensitive to the cold.
5. My plant is very top heavy and is tipping over; does that mean I should repot it?
Dracaenas like
to be root bound and should never be repotted until the roots fill up most of the pot. You might want to put your plant in
a deeper not necessarily larger pot.
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