Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Dracaena fragrans (Asparagaceae)
Also called Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Saponins.
Signs to watch for: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats).
Source: ASPCA entry "Corn Plant", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Corn plant does well in bright to moderate filtered or indirect light. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, and in light that is too low the new leaves grow narrower.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 1.1 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Keep the soil moist during the growing season and water less in winter.
It is sensitive to fluoride and salt buildup, which causes brown leaf tips.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Boston fern bright indirect light
- Cape primrose (Streptocarpus) bright indirect light
- Christmas cactus bright indirect light
- Earth star (Cryptanthus) bright indirect light
- Friendship plant (Pilea involucrata) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Corn Plant"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Dragon Tree | Houseplants"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Lighting | Houseplants"