Scientific/Botanical Name:
Genus: Dracaena
Specie: D. fragrans
Variety/Cultivar:
English Name:
Common Name:
Cornstalk Dracaena, corn plant, massangeana
Botanical Family:
Name in Latin: Asparagaceae
Name in English: Asparagus Family, was an Agave member.
The Plant
Origin: Southern Africa. Nigeria. The species name refers to the fragrant flowers, while the English name derives from a perceived resemblance of the stem to a corn (Zea mays) stalk .
Growth Habit: erect, slow growing shrub
Flower: panicles 15-160 cm long, individual flowers are six lobed corella- pink-white with fine red or purple centre line, highly fragrant
Blooming Period:
Leaf: glossy , lanceolate 20-150 cm long 2-12 cm wide
Usage:
rapid grower
Care and Handling
Soil: good potting soil
Amount of water: mist with water, warm water, no less than 65 degrees
Nutrition: Feed every two weeks with a water soluble fertilizer. For older plants it is recommended that you increase their fertilizing to weekly during the spring and summer.
Special handling: keep away from direct sun and cold drafts. Warm Temperature Day ( 27C-30C ) Night ( 17C-18.5C ), Average humidity of 40-50%, All purpose soil,moderate light , Soak soil and keep at constant wetness.
Special feature/remarks:
The plant can remove air pollutants such as formaldehyde and or benzene found in cigarette smoke. It is valued for its tolerance of a wide range of indoor conditions from full sun to low light conditions. It is also very tolerant of neglect. Species name refers to fragrance of flowers. Dracaena= "Gri" for female dragon- Species of this Genus can be harmful to pets.