How can you resist a plant that is commonly called the ‘Happy Plant’ well Dracaena fragrans Massangeana is that plant, also known as the ‘Corn Plant’.
This is a very popular indoor plant, easy care and brilliantly coloured foliage ensure that it brightens up a range of indoor situations.
General Care
This is a Dragon Plant that will grow in filtered light it is versatile. It also like a little humidity.
Light
In those warmer zones iDracaena fragrans ‘massangeana can be grown outdoors as an understory plant where it is is filtered light, but not direct sun.
Temperature Range
Indoors look for bright indirect light, keep the plant away from windows where direct sun may burn the foliage.
Watering
Like so many plants, water only when the soil dries out, water deeply and then leave it alone. It can survive without being watered for a week or two depending on the conditions.
Use water that has been allowed to stand so fluoride etc have a chance to burn off and the water gets to room temperature.
Potting soil and Pots
Potting Soil should be humus rich and free draining, any indoor potting soil should be suitable. Outdoors just make sure it has good drainage, this is another plant that does not tolerate wet soggy soils.
Use a pot that is just a little larger the the root ball and repot every 3 – 5 years.
Fertiliser
Indoors it is best to use use a low odour general purpose slow release fertilizer once a year in spring.
You can also use a liquid feed once a month from spring through summer will keep the foliage looking great and may speed up growth.
Always fertilise when the soils moist, so after watering.
Varieties
A number varieties with slightly different foliage are available.
- Dracaena fragrans compacta is a popular smaller growing variety
Pests
Generally pest free although scale, mealybugs, spider mites and snails can cause problems. A spray with white oil will clear up most issues
Problems
Usually over watering or under watering or exposure to strong sun.
- Yellowing Leaves usually over watering
- Brown leaf tips usually lack of water
- Leaves are brown and crispy are usually a result of sun burn
We are asked
- Does Dracaena fragrans flower ? Yes but very rarely and only once it is around 5 – 7 years old.
- When should I Repot my Dracaena fragrans? When the plant outgrows the pot. Usually around 3 years.
More Dracaena Species
- Dracaena deremensis Warneckii
- Dracaena goldieana
- Dracaeana marginata
- Dracaeana draco
Summary Information
- Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans ‘massangeana’
- Common Names : Dracaena ‘massangeana’, Happy Plant, Corn Plant
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 – 10
- Soil/pH: Slightly acidic
- Light/Sun: Filtered Light
- Height: 3ft (1m) plus
- Spread: To around 2ft over time
- Growth Rate; Slow
- Flower Colour:
- Flowering Time: Spring
- Foliage ; Evergreen with green and yellow variegation.
- Origins: Japan, China and nearby areas,
