Brazilian Wood plant

Plant Overview

• Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans

• Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Dracaena, Fortune Plant

• Type: Evergreen perennial shrub, grown as a popular indoor plant

• Appearance: Upright cane-like stems with long, arching, glossy green or variegated leaves resembling corn leaves.

 Care Guide

1. Sun Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Can tolerate lower light, but growth slows and variegation may fade.

• Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which scorches the leaves.

2. Watering

• Keep soil lightly moist; allow the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of soil to dry before watering again.

• Overwatering leads to root rot (yellowing leaves = too much water).

• Underwatering causes brown, crispy leaf tips.

3. Soil

• Best in well-draining potting mix (peat + perlite/sand).

• Ensure pot has drainage holes.

4. Fertilizer

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.

• No need for much fertilizer in winter.

5. Pruning

• Remove yellow or brown leaves at the base.

• Can cut stems to control height – new shoots will sprout from the cut.

6. Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound.

• Choose a pot only slightly bigger than the old one.

Flowers

• Rare indoors, but mature plants may produce clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers at night.

• Strong perfume-like fragrance (sometimes too intense indoors).

Uses & Benefits

1. Ornamental Value – Popular as a decorative indoor plant.

2. Air Purifier – NASA study lists it among the best plants for filtering indoor toxins (like formaldehyde).

3. Low Maintenance – Great for beginners and office spaces.

4. Feng Shui – Considered a plant that brings luck, prosperity, and positive energy.

 Note:

• Toxic to pets (cats & dogs) if ingested, causing vomiting or drooling.

• Non-toxic to humans.