Dracaena fragrans

Dracaena fragrans is an easy-to-care-for house plant with long, wide leaves that can reach 40cm in length. These are produced at the top of a thick, tree-like stem. Also known as corn plant, this house plant is popular for its easy-going nature, ability to thrive in light shade and tropical-looking foliage.

As a house plant, Dracaena fragrans can reach about 2m tall, although it is slow growing. Native to tropical areas of Africa, corn plants can cope with a little drought, making them good plants for beginners. Water only when the surface of the compost is dried out and feed with a liquid fertiliser around once a month or so, from spring to summer. To keep the leaves healthy, wipe off the dust to let more light through to the leaves. Place Dracaeana fragrans in a bright or lightly shaded spot, out of direct sun. Ideally, keep it in a room where the temperature remains above 15ºC but is no higher than 24ºC.

There are several varieties of Dracaena fragrans, including ‘Massangeana’, which has a green-to-yellow stripe down the centre of its leaves. For a smaller space, try ‘Compacta’, which has green leaves and only reaches a height of 90cm. Variegated types with big impact include ‘Lemon Lime’, which has lime-edged deep green leaves, and ‘Janet Craig’, which has wide, glossy-green leaves.