Corn Plant

Dracaena fragrans

Family: AsparagaceaeOrigin: Tropical AfricaZones: 10a-11b

Houseplant
Fragrant night bloomer

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

sap and foliage: irritant

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental houseplant.

Hazard type

mouth/stomach irritation if ingested, skin irritation from sap

Hazard route

ingestion or skin contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle: saponins. Clinical signs: vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils in cats (ASPCA); mouth and stomach irritation, vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, drooling, difficulty breathing (NC State Extension). Sap may also irritate skin.

Patent / trademark

not applicable

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for True corn/maize (Zea mays, the separate food-crop entry). To tell them apart: 'Corn Plant' is purely a common-name resemblance based on this plant's strap-like leaves, not a botanical relationship: this is a houseplant (Dracaena fragrans), not a grass.. This species is toxic; true corn is a normal food crop. Don't let either guide's facts apply to the other.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 10a-11b.
Water needs: moderate moist soil during growing season; reduce watering in winter
Mature size: 3-14.5 ft tall, 1-3 ft wide; slow-growing, unbranched to multi-trunked woody shrub.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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