Corn plant

(Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana')

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Long, glossy, green leaves 16"- 36" long, and up to 4" wide are arched, with wide yellow stripe at midrib.

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Green and Yellow

CONTAINER:

Large container, large planter.

LIGHT:

Low to medium. Tolerates artificial or existing room light, near a north, east, or west window, and up to 1000 footcandles.

WATER:

Normal to frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil moist. Can let soil dry to the touch to a soil depth of 1/2".

TEMPERATURE:

Cool, medium, warm. Nights 10 degrees cooler than days.

HUMIDITY:

Average

FERTILIZER:

Every 3 - 4 months. Don't overfertilize.

SOIL MIX:

1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.

PROPOGATION:

Basal shoots, tip cuttings

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

CARE:

Easy. Tolerates wide range of conditions. Good for beginners.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

`Lindenii' - marginal stripes of creamy-white; `Rothiana' - leathery leaves, margins are whitish.

PROBLEMS:

Scale insects: Scrape off. Isolate. If severe, dispose of plant.
Fluoride injury-tip burn: Test water for fluoride content. Use fluoride-free water.
Fertilizer burn: Leach pot with water 3 times between fertilizer applications.

COMMENTS:

One of the best plants for dark conditions.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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