Plants

Corn plant care: light, water & problems

Scientific name: Dracaena fragrans · Common name: Corn plant

Cane-like stems carry long glossy strap-shaped leaves; stripe patterns depend on cultivar.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-01

Care at a glance

Light: Place in indirect light; harsh sun can mark leaves.
Watering: Check the mix between waterings and let it drain; moderate water during slower growth.

Cane-like stems carry long glossy strap-shaped leaves; stripe patterns depend on cultivar.

Place in indirect light; harsh sun can mark leaves.

Check the mix between waterings and let it drain; moderate water during slower growth.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

Give stable warmth; RHS notes fluoride in tap water can damage dracaenas.

Choose a draining houseplant mix and do not leave water in the outer pot. Check the root ball before moving to a larger container.

If it is growing well, feed moderately according to the label; do not treat dry tips with fertiliser before checking water quality.

For dry tips, check water quality and environment before adding fertiliser.

Observe leaf colour and pattern, but verify the cultivar label; the species name alone does not guarantee stripes.