Dracaena fragrans, better known as Corn Plant, is a beautiful plant that grows in many forms. Typically, it is grown as multiple plants of staggered heights, but this is not the only way to grow this beautiful plant.

Corn Plant is a common indoor plant that can be very hardy if you acclimate it properly. There are many different forms and varieties you can grow, so it is important to know how to choosethe right one for your needs.

Basic Dracaena Fragrans Plant Information

Dracaena fragrans is a solid green variety of the Dracaena. It is often known as the Corn Plant. Dracaena ragrans has very fragrant flowers, hence the name. The fragrance is very sweet and flowery so they can add a very nice touch to your home.

Dracaena fragrans is a native to the Upper Guinea region in Africa. There, it grows in humid, tropical forests. In this habitat the plant is often shaded by surrounding vegetation. Dracaena fragrans first became popular in Europe during the 1700s. This is when it grew in popularity as a good indoors plan, along with the Boston fern, Cast Iron plant (Aspidistra) and Kentia palm. In the early 1900s, Dracaena fragrans became a popular choice of an indoor plant in the United States.

Dracaena Fragrans Plant Varieties

It is important to understand that there are many different varieties of the Dracaena plant you can grow in your home. This huge variety makes Dracaena plants some of the most popular indoor plants. These plants are considered some of the best that you can grow inside of you home.

Out all of the varieties, Dracaena fragrans, also known as "Massangeana" is one of the hardiest varieties. Once you acclimate it properly and once it is hardened off, it becomes a very strong plant that can withstand many different growing conditions. In fact, this is one of the sturdiest plants of this height range. Another great advantage to Dracaena fragrans is that you can grow it even under very low-light settings. It can thrive even under these conditions.

Dracaena fragrans, as the species, tends to be completely green. It has non-variegated olive-green leaves. Gardeners and professionals often prefer a more colorful variety Dracaena Massangeana. It is important to remember that the whole group of these plants is commonly called Corn Plant. The name comes from the upright growth of the Dracaena and its graceful leaves that resemble corn foliage.

Out all of the varieties, Dracaena fragrans Massangeana is the most popular one. It has broad green leaves with a central yellow stripe. This variety is the most commonly produced and sold or all Corn Plant varieties.

Other varieties of Dracaena fragrans exist and are produced, but in much fewer numbers. The culture of these plants is basically the same. Out of these, Santa Rosa and Lindenii tend to be most common varieties. Keep in mind that these cultures generally require more light to maintain good color. They tend to be the opposite of Massangeana, since they have less chlorophyll in their leaves.

Keep in mind that all varieties of Dracaena fragrans make great indoor plants. They tend to perform very well and you can make them thrive without much hassle. If you are looking for a way to add some tropical flare to your home, consider one of the varieties of Dracaena fragrans and you won't be disappointed.

Photo credit: Wendy Cutler