Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana

Other common names: Corn Plant, Chinese Money Tree, Cornstalk Dracaena, Happy Plant, Dracaena Fragrans, Dracaena Plant

Origin & Growth

Dracaena Deremensis, more commonly known as Corn Plant and also known as Dracaena Fragrans, is a species of plant native to tropical regions of Africa growing in upland regions at 1,970 to 7,380 ft altitude. This plant is a slow growing shrub that can grow over 49 feet, and the older plants stems can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. Dracaena Fragrans leaves are glossy green, lanceolate, 8 to 59 inches long, and 1 to 5 inches wide. The flowers produced by the plant are panicles 6 to 63 inches long, 1 inch in diameter, and with a six-lobed corolla that is 0.3 to 0.5-inch lobes. The lobes of the flowers are pink at first, then open to white with a fine red or purple central line, and are very fragrant and popular with pollinating insects. The fruit of the plant is an orange-red berry with seeds that measures 0.4 to 0.8 inches in diameter.

Growing Conditions

Dracaena Plant is great for offices with medium lighting. If lighting is low, the new leaves of the plant will become narrow, and if put into direct sunlight, the leaves will bleach. Overall, the soil should be barely moist, but the top centimeter or so of the soil should be dry. This plant is not suitable for low humidity spaces and should be kept in rooms with temperatures of 75º to 80º F.  If humidity levels drop below 40%, the tips of the plant will turn brown. To avoid this, mist the plant with non-fluoridated water, as they are sensitive to fluoride, daily as needed to provide humidity. During growth, a fertilizer with a slow release or a half-strength liquid fertilizer should be used monthly. Corn Plants are also prone to thrips and mealybugs. Our plant care specialists respond as quickly as possible if you encounter any problems with your Dracaena Deremensis. Depending on the severity of the situation, we may be able to restore it, but if not, we will replace the plant for you. Contact us today if you need help with your plant!  

Planter and Potting for Dracaena Fragrans

Standard potting soil for indoor plants will perform just fine with Dracaena Plant as long as it has sufficient moisture without becoming soggy. The soil used should be a loose, well-drained potting mix containing loam, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite. A drip tray placed beneath the pot will collect excess water and should be changed after each watering. Dracaena Deremensis can grow in any type of pot as long as the bottom of the pot has drainage holes. Pot sizes vary depending on the size of the plant, and we can help you determine which is best.

Repotting is necessary for the plant when the root ball fills the pot and the plant either begins to lift or send roots out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Going up one size in pots should be sufficient as long as it is done every two to three years until maximum convenient pot size (8 to 10 inch) is reached. Changing pot size should be done in late winter, and we are more than happy to take care of that for you. Take a look at the office planters we offer and pick the perfect one we can use to re-pot.

Dracaena Deremensis may seem high maintenance, but don’t let it intimidate you. Liven up your office space today with our ideal office plants! Wasatch Greenscapes can take care of it for you with our convenient office plant maintenance program.