Dracaena (corn plant) care: light, water, and pet safety

Dracaena fragrans and others

Care table

LightLow light to bright indirect light. Low to bright indirect. Direct sun can burn leaves.
WaterLet half the pot dry. Water when the top half of the pot is dry.
HumidityAverage room air is fine
RepottingEvery 2 to 3 years in spring. It likes to be a bit root bound.

Winter care

Growth slows. Let the soil dry a little further between waterings, stop fertilizer until spring, and keep it away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Pet safety

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Corn Plant (Dracaena)

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

  • Brown, crispy leaf tips: Dry air, uneven watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Flush the pot with plain water a few times a year.
  • Brown leaf tips and streaks: Fluoride and salts in tap water.
  • Yellow lower leaves, soggy soil: Watering before the soil dried, or a pot with no drainage.

Illinois Extension, Dracaena (corn plant)

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool

Guides

Sources