Dracaena Fragrans – That’s How It Got Its Name

You might wonder, do corn plants flower?

Dracaena fragrans – Did you know it flowers? We get emails regularly asking about the flowering of Dracaena fragrans. The emails go something like this:

Dracaena fragransPin

I have a Dracaena fragrans – “Corn plants bloom” and have had the plant for 5 years – in some cases more. This foliage plant is blooming for the first time. I did not know it even bloomed.

  • How long does Dracaena flower last?
  • Will the plant die?
  • Can I cut off the corn plant flower stalk?

I must go on record and let you know that I am writing only from experience and cannot give you the full details and ideal conditions on the cornstalk plant Dracaena fragrans flowering indoors – it’s not the most common event!

Hopefully, some of our interiorscapers will write and give us their corn plant care, hints, and tips.



As I write this, I have a Dracaena fragrans massangeana planted outside in the ground with white flowers blooming away. 

It is approximately 180 feet from my house, and I can smell the intoxicating, incredible sweet scent every evening.

Moreover, it’s known to help remove toxins from the air, according to NASA’s clean air study.

Dracaena massangeana cane is a popular cultivar of Dracaena fragrans but with yellow variegated foliage.

Close-up of cream Dracaena blooms.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @woodsidebluepreserves

NOTE: I’ve also seen red edge dracaena marginata flower a few times and also all green Janet Craig Dracaena, but nothing like Dracaena fragrans.

Background on Dracaena Fragrans

Most of the time, you find Dracaena fragrans or dracaena deremensis flowering. It will be on very mature plants. Plants usually grow more than 6′ feet tall.

The Dracaena flower stalks emerge from late fall to early winter and late spring to early summer from the center of the leaf whorl and sometimes grow to 3′ feet in length, arching to the ground.

In the evening, the plant gives off a noticeable sweet fragrance for hundreds of feet. The fragrance is very strong, as some of you have experienced. 

One person even said they had to open the office doors to air out the place!!!

Now to the questions:

Will the Plant Die?

No – This dracaena plant will continue to grow. The plant will begin by putting out a new head of foliage.

The center of the flowering corn plant – the growing tip – is no longer active after flowering.

Dracaena flowering indoors; rare blooming event.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @ohokien

A new “head” will emerge out of the center of the foliage next to where the dracaena fragrant flower stalk was. This is similar to pruning a plant, and new growth starts below the cut.

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

How Long Will the Fragrant Flowers Last?

What does a dracaena fragrans flower smell like?

The scent is often described as similar to that of jasmine or lily. However, it is important to note that the flowers of the corn plant have a strong scent that may bother some people.

The fragrance of the flower spike lasts each evening for approximately 3 to 7 days. It may last longer indoors because it is protected from the elements. 

White blooms with green leaves.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @myhawaiigarden

After some time, the corn plant flower stalk will eventually wither away.

Now, How often do Dracaena fragrans flower?

Dracaena fragrant can produce flowers under certain conditions. However, it is rare for them to bloom indoors.

The corn plant flowering frequency can vary and is influenced by factors like age, light exposure, and environmental conditions.

Dracaena Plant Care & Growing Requirements

Dracaena fragrans are low-maintenance plants. They also make great indoor plants bearing green leaves and seasonal corn plant flowers. 

Although they are easy to grow, you need to provide their basic needs for optimal health.

As indoor houseplants dracaena fragrans should be placed in an area with full sun, filtered sun, or partial shade with indirect sunlight if grown in a greenhouse. 

Too little light results in compromised growths and the disappearance of stripes on its crown of leaves. 

Plant the mass cane plant flower in well-drained soil. Loose potting soil or potting mix in larger pots for indoor plants can be bought almost anywhere.

Moreover, avoid repotting, as these rootbound Dracaenas will likely bloom more than those recently repotted.

Indoor plant with white blooms.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @teaholic_anna

Fragrans prefer warm temperatures between 65° – 78° degrees Fahrenheit. Keep Dracaena plants away from dry air and cold drafts.

Keep them evenly moist, but try not to over water. Doing so would make your dracaena susceptible to root rot. 

Moreover, Corn plants prefer high humidity levels. You can maintain humidity levels using a humidifier or a tray of water and pebbles. 

Leaving them dry for some time will result in brown leaf tips. Avoid watering with tap water that often contains fluoride and chlorine as they are sensitive to these elements. Dracaenas are also sensitive to Boron.

Fertilize your dracaena fragrans lightly with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Use calcium supplements to avoid leaf-tip burns.

NOTE: Outdoors, once acclimated, Fragrans will go in direct sunlight.

Can I Cut off the Dracaena Flower Stalk?

You might also ask, Can I cut the flowers off my corn plant?

Cutting off the flowers of a corn plant, also known as Dracaena fragrans, is a personal choice. This plant is mainly grown for its attractive foliage and not for its flowers. 

Removing the flowers will not harm the plant. 

How about its flower stalk?

Dracaena blooms on a stalk, close-up and vibrant.Pin
Photo Credit: Instagram @anne.d.walter

Yes, you can cut off the Dracaena flower stalk. Remember, while the plant is flowering, it is putting its energy into the corn plant flowers and not in the stems or other parts of the plant.

I’d like to hear from the interior people, but I think they would recommend flower stem cutting 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 them a dirty look.

Moreover, you need to remove the spent dracaena plant flower as they wilt if you let your corn plant bloom.

How about you – ever had your Dracaena fragrans flower?

image: source

JOIN Our FREE Plant Care Newsletter 

By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time.