Dracaena fragrans image • Photo: Author rojypala• CC BY 2.0
Cornstalk Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans
Dracaena fragrans is a slow-growing shrub, often multistemmed at the base, with mature specimens reaching up to 15 meters tall in natural habitats. It features glossy green lanceolate leaves ranging from 20–150 cm long, with smaller leaves erect and larger ones drooping. Stems may exude red latex when damaged. The plant produces fragrant white flowers with pink undertones and red or purple central lines in panicles up to 160 cm long, followed by orange-red berries. It is valued for its adaptability as a houseplant and tolerance of varied light conditions.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Dracaena fragrans
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light to deep shade (adapts to low-light conditions)
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity Needs
medium humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
60–75°F (15–24°C); USDA zones 10-11
Native Climate
Native to Tropical Africa (Sudan to Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire to Angola)
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining potting mix (perlite, sphagnum moss, or sand)
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Dracaena fragrans plants
Stem cuttings (10–20 cm segments dried and rooted in moist perlite, sphagnum moss, or sand)
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Tropical Africa (Sudan to Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire to Angola)
slow
Up to 15 m (49 ft) outdoors; typically 5–15 ft indoors
Perennial
Pet safety unknown
This plant has air purifying properties.
Flower Description
2.5 cm diameter fragrant flowers with six-lobed white corolla and red/purple central lines, arranged in panicles up to 160 cm long
Fun Fact
Considered holy by the Chagga people of Tanzania and used as a hedge plant in Africa. Its flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds in Neotropical regions.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Dracaena fragrans
No problems reported
Good news! No common problems have been reported for this plant. If you encounter any issues, check back later or join our community to share your experience.
Varieties
Different varieties of Dracaena fragrans
Popular cultivar with a bright-yellow central stripe on foliage
Compact variety suited for indoor growth
Variegated cultivar with striking foliage
Upright cultivar often sold as Dracaena deremensis
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Dracaena fragrans
Low Light Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for low light plants like your Dracaena fragrans
Tropical Plants Plants Care Guide
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Low Maintenance Plants Care Guide
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Air Purifying Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for air purifying plants like your Dracaena fragrans
Flowering Plants Plants Care Guide
Learn how to care for flowering plants plants like your Dracaena fragrans
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