cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragrans) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Cornstalk dracaena is a tropical African tree grown indoors across the United States. Thick, woody stems are topped with long leaves that resemble corn leaves. It is often sold as corn plant.

Appearance

Leaves: Long, broad leaves arch outward; cultivated plants may have yellow, lime, or white stripes.
Flowers: Indoor plants rarely bloom, but their small flowers can be strongly fragrant at night.

Look-alikes

CornZea mays

The leaves look corn-like, but cornstalk dracaena has a tan, woody cane topped with leaves. If a photo shows only leaves, look for the stem.

Why they get mixed upIts common name comes from the resemblance to corn.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Homes and offices
Tropical African forests
Range: Native to tropical Africa, it is grown indoors across the United States. In South Florida, the striped ‘Massangeana’ cultivar is also planted outdoors in warm landscapes.

Growing it

Care: Give it filtered light and a container that drains. Stem cuttings can grow into new plants.
Propagation: Stem cuttings can root and grow into new plants.
Toxicity: This species is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.

Name and classification

About the name: The dense-leaved compacta (D. f. compacta) is a variety of this species.
Varieties and forms: Cultivated forms include yellow-striped ‘Massangeana’ and multicolored ‘Lemon Lime’.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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