Dracaena “Fragrans Massangeana”- Multi Stem

Dracaena fragrans Massangeana is also called the corn plant or the Happy Plant because of it’s easy care nature and the zesty freshness of the yellow and green strappy leaves that brighten up home or office interiors, whilst filtering toxins from the atmosphere so you breathe easier.

The tall, stately Dracaena Corn plant is a very popular houseplant, often growing taller than 6ft. (1.8 metres). Its long, green, graceful, lance shaped leaves have a one or two yellow or pale green stripes running down the center. The 1”-2” wide leaves grow in a spiral cluster at the top of a thick, central stem. Because of the plants appearance, it, and the Dracaena warnekii and marginata are often mistaken for a type of palm. A mature plant may produce large white flowers atop stalks that drape downwards. The very strong fragrance of the flowers is sometimes overwhelming, especially for people with allergies. Fortunately, the flowers only last about a week. Because of the sticky nectar and abundance of messy pollen the flowers produce, I always cut them off as soon as they appear.

Temperature : Fragrans Massangeana prefers average household temperatures between 16-24°C but can cope with as low as 12°C for short periods.

Lighting preference : Dracaena Massangeana needs moderate to bright indirect light and is ideal for offices or fluorescent lighting. Avoid direct sunlight as this may burn or bleach the leaves. Medium to bright, indirect light encourages larger leaves

 Irrigation of water : Water when the soil starts to dry-out at the top. Water well and allow to drain thoroughly. Relatively drought tolerant. Do not overwater as this will cause the leaf tips to blacken. When in doubt, do not water. Fluoride in the water can damage the leaves

 Humidity : Dracaena are hardy houseplants and will do well in normal room humidity, however they do prefer higher humidity and will benefit from occasional misting.

Fertilization and feeding : Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Never feed a dracaena during the winter and fertilize only once during the fall.

 Flowering : A corn plant dracaena may develop large, heavily scented flowers. I recommend cutting the flowers off as soon as they appear. As long as the flowers remain, new leaves do not develop and the elegant shape of the plant is altered. The flowers also drip messy sap on floors and furniture.

 Soil : Use a loose, fast-draining, well-aerated soil. A dracaena can even be grown in lava rock mixed with soil.

Toxicity : A dracaena marginata is mildly poisonous to humans, but they are extremely toxic to dogs and cats with a #2 toxicity level.

 Pot Size : All varieties of dracaena plants like to be root-bound in small pots. When the roots have filled the existing pot, move your dracaena to the NEXT size pot and nothing larger. Be sure there are drip holes in the bottom so excess water can escape.

Pruning : Trim the leaves with a clean, wet scissors. Using a wet scissors prevents unsightly yellowing in the cut areas.

Diseases : Fusarium leaf spot and root rot due to over-watering are the main problems.

 Air Purification : The Dracaena is not only a great indoor plant to see, it is also one of the most air-purifying indoor plants that exist. The plant removes various substances such as trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. Dracaena has even been named one of the most air-purifying houseplants on behalf of NASA.