Corn Plant

This large plant has leaves that resemble the leaves on a cornstalk, with a creamy yellow stripe down the center and green stripes down the borders.

It is a favorite houseplant for its ease of care and tolerance for low-light conditions.

Growing Conditions for Corn Plant

This plant prefers loose, well-drained soil. It should be watered only when the soil is dry an inch deep in the pot, usually once every week or two.

The roots are short and shallow to the surface, so water near the plant stalk rather than the edge of the pot to assure absorption.

Add organic material to the potting soil to encourage growth. Place it in near an east window or behind a sheer curtain in a south or west window.

It needs indirect light to maintain the foliage color, but no direct sun, to prevent the leaf color from fading. Keep it away from even the slightest drafts. Leaf drop or yellowing leaves are usually signs of overwatering.

Corn plant is resistant to most pests, but you may see mealy bugs on it if other plants in the area are infested.

Use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to wash these off, or spray with a dish soap and water mix.

Keep the plant in a pot that appears small in comparison to the top size of the plant.

Because its roots are shallow and short and it prefers small pots, you may need to place a rock or some type of support on the top of the soil to help support the plant.

If the plant starts to get too big, you can pull out the new growth at the center of the plant once it reaches the preferred size.

If the plant gets old and leggy, you can chop the whole plant down to about six inches above soil level. New growth will sprout on the old stem and, in time, you'll have a new plant.

The large leaves can collect dust. Wipe them down periodically with a damp cloth. If excessively dusty, place it in the shower when the soil is dry and hose it down.

The corn plant can be planted outside in warm regions that get freezing temperatures. When the plant is mature, usually over five years, it will produce highly fragrant flowers in the fall, which is where it got its name, dracaena fragrans.

When evening temperatures stay above 45 degrees, an indoor plant can be acclimated to the outdoors for two to three weeks. Place it in a shaded, protected area.

When spring arrives, move it to a slightly shady area that receives no more than early morning sun. Water as usual and fertilize monthly.

Keep it through the summer in this shady area until evening temperatures drop back to 45 degrees. Stop fertilizing and move indoors. Place it again in its appropriate location and you may see flowers as fall arrives.

The corn plant has become a favorite plant for homes and offices. Often it is forgotten because its needs are so minimal.

However, this easy-care plant is a beauty that should be included in any houseplant collection.