Corn plant with the scientific name Dracaena fragrans is a plant native to East Africa. The reason for the name of this plant is the similarity of its leaves to corn leaves. There are many types of Dracaena, and corn plant is only one of the available species that is perfectly suitable for keeping at home. This plant grows a lot in the open space and its height can reach 4 meters. If kept in a pot, its height reaches only 1.5–2 meters.
Corn plant is one of the most popular types of Dracaena in the world which is very resistant. So, it can be a suitable plant for people who travel a lot. Corn plant with its broad and green leaves, which sometimes have yellow stripes, can give a special beauty to your home. One of the important features of this houseplant is that it helps to remove chemicals such as formaldehyde as well as xylene and toluene from the air and is one of the air purifying plants at home.
Corn plant blooms are small and fragrant in yellow and white colors and grow on the end clusters in winter and spring. Apart from their pleasant smell, they are also beautiful and have a light pink color at the beginning of their growth.
Care for Corn Plant
The best methods of how to care for an ivy plant include as follows:
Corn Plant Light Requirements: What light is best for corn plants?
Light is among the first important issues to care for corn plant. The best place to keep this plant is near a window with filtered light. Too little light causes the leaves to lose their color stripe. Direct light can also cause dryness and withering of the plant. East, west and south windows are suitable for this houseplant.
Corn Plant Watering: How often should you water a corn plant?
Whenever the surface of the soil dries to a depth of about 3–5 cm, you can water it. During the growing season, the soil of the plant should always have some moisture. As we go towards autumn and winter, reduce the amount of watering. But in general, do not let the soil of the plant remain too dry. This causes the tips of its leaves to turn brown.
Also, like other houseplants, corn plant is sensitive to the salts in the water and you need to be careful while watering it. Note that the soil of the pot should never remain wet or swampy to prevent rotting of the roots. Always check the drainage. It is suggested to water the plant with cooled boiled water because the tips of the leaves may dry.
What is the best soil for a Dracaena fragrans?
Light and loamy soils are suitable for the plant. Alkaline soils are not suitable for corn plant and it is better if the soil is slightly acidic.
Using tea wastes can help to acidify the soil. Of course, you should not overuse tea wastes. Also, a combination of garden soil, animal manure and leaf soil is appropriate for corn plant.
Corn Plant Fertilizer: What is the best fertilizer for a corn plant?
Fertilizing corn plant is essential for its proper growth. To strengthen the plant, you can use water-soluble fertilizers according to the instructions once every two weeks during the growing season. Fertilizing corn plant in winter is not recommended.
Are Corn Plants poisonous to humans and pets?
In order to care for corn plant, toxicity is considered to be a major issue because it directly relates to your health especially children and pets.
Corn plant is poisonous and will have toxic effects if swallowed. The side effects of this plant may be vomiting, nausea, weight loss, periodic hyperactivity or pupil dilation. As a result, keep it away from children and pets (especially dogs and cats).
Common Pests and Diseases
Corn Plant, like any other plant, can be exposed to disease or pests.
Common Pests
Pests that attack corn plants usually include Diaspididae, mealybugs, whiteflies, and red mites.
Diaspididae
This makes the color of the leaves change and prominent brown spots appear under them.
Treatment: Spray the plant with a suitable insecticide to remove the symptoms, or wipe the aphids off the plant with a damp cloth.
Mealybugs
This causes a white and sticky cotton mass on the plant. It weakens the plant growth by feeding on the sap of the plant and makes the leaves turn yellow.
Treatment: Collect them with cotton dipped in alcohol or soap liquid or use a suitable insecticide.
Whiteflies
This makes the plant weak by feeding on the sap of the plant.
Treatment: It is better to use sticky yellow cards to hunt them down.
Red Mites
This leads to the yellowing of the lower surface of the leaves. If the humidity of the plant is low, the probability of getting infected with mites increases.
Treatment: To prevent this pest, provide the necessary moisture to the plant. If the plant is infected, special pesticides should be used according to the instructions.
