Dracaena fragrans - That’s How It Got Its Name

Now you can learn the Secrets of How to Care for Your Dracaena.

We’re always getting emails asking questions about the flowering of Dracaena fragrans. The questions go something like this:

I have a Dracaena fragrans - "Corn plant" and have had this plant for 5 years - in some cases more. It is blooming for the first time. Will the plant die? How long will the flowers last? Can I cut off the flower stalk?

I will make an attempt to answer these questions. I must go on record and let you know that I am writing only from experience and cannot give you the full details on the plant indoors. Hopefully some of our interiorscapers will write and give us their hints and tips.

As I write this I have a plant that is flowering outside planted in the ground in south Florida. It is approximately 180 feet from my house and I can smell the fragrance every evening.

Some Background

Most of the time that we find Dracaena fragrans flowering it will be on very mature plants. Plants that are usually 6 feet and up. The flower stalks emerge out of the center of the leaf whorl and will grow to sometimes 3 feet in length arching to the ground.

In the evening the plant gives off a sweet fragrance that is noticeable for hundreds of feet. The fragrance is very strong as some of you have experienced. One person even said that they had to open the office doors to air out the place!!!

Now to the questions:

Will the plant die?

No. The plant will continue to grow. It will begin by putting out a new head of foliage. The center of the plant - the growing tip - is no longer active after flowering. This new "head" will emerge out of the center of the foliage next to where the flower stalk was. This is similar to pruning a plant and new growth starts below the cut.

It is also possible that more then one head may emerge. Specimens that have branched trunks occur when two heads develop where the old flower stalk was and has matured.

How long will the flower last?

The fragrance last each evening for approximately 3 to 7 days. It may last longer indoors because it is protected from the elements. After a period of time the flower stalk will eventually wither away.

Can I cut off the flower stalk?

Yes, you can cut off the flower stalk. Remember, that while the plant is flowering it is putting its energy into the flowers and not into other parts of the plant. I would like to hear from the interior people but I think they would recommend cutting off the flower stalks for a couple of reasons.

• The potency of the fragrance indoors can be very strong (especially in commercial settings)
• Pollen may get on the leaves and give a dirty look.

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