Dracaena Fragrans Office Plant

🌱 Overview

• Scientific Name: Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl.

• Common Names: Corn plant, cornstalk dracaena, false palm

• Family: Asparagaceae

• Native Range: Tropical Africa—from Sudan to Mozambique, and west to Côte d'Ivoire

🌿 Appearance

• Leaves: Glossy green, lance-shaped, ranging from 20–150 cm long. Some varieties have striking yellow or lime stripes down the center.

• Growth Habit: Slow-growing shrub or small tree. Indoors, it typically reaches 2 meters tall; outdoors, it can grow up to 15 meters2

• Flowers: Rare indoors, but when they bloom, they’re highly fragrant with white or yellow petals and a sweet scent that attracts pollinators

🏡 Indoor Care Guide

Dracaena fragrans is a favorite houseplant for good reason—it’s low-maintenance and forgiving.

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light

• Tolerates low light, but growth may slow and variegation may fade

💧 Water

• Water when the top inch of soil is dry

• Avoid overwatering—root rot is a common issue

🌡️ Temperature

• Thrives in 15–24°C (59–75°F)

• Keep away from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops

🌱 Soil

• Use well-draining, loamy soil

• Slightly acidic pH (6.1–6.5) is ideal

🌸 Fertilizer

• Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer

🌬️ Air-Purifying Qualities

According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, Dracaena fragrans can help remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene—though you'd need a jungle of them to make a major impact

🐾 Toxicity Warning

• Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested—can cause vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite3

• Safe for humans, but best kept out of reach of curious pets

🌿 Popular Varieties

If you’re looking for a plant that brings tropical vibes without demanding too much attention, Dracaena fragrans is a top contender.