One of my favorite houseplants is my corn plant (Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana’).  I got it when I moved into my home 22 years ago, and at the time it stood just a foot high.  Today it stands 10-feet-tall nearly touching the ceiling--creating an impressive focal point in my living room.  Its shiny, sword-shaped green-and-yellow-striped leaves look great in just about any interior.
This plant may seem challenging to grow, but it thrives indoors.  Keep the following growing tips in mind.

• Be patient.  Corn plant is a slow grower.  If you want a larger specimen, you’ll have to pay for it.  Depending on the size of the plant, it can range from $30 to $200.  Considering the cost of the plant, use caution when transporting.  Lay it on its side for transporting and never grasp it by its trunk, which can break off roots.  Always lift the plant by the container.  Move in an enclosed vehicle.

• Watch watering.  Water when the soil surface dries.  Also keep in mind that tall floor plants tend to be cumbersome to move for watering.  If you’ll be watering the plant in place, make sure that you have protected flooring properly with saucers and make sure to never leave the plant sitting in water, as this can lead to root rot.  If possible, every six months move the plant outdoors or to the bathtub and leach the soil to remove salt build-up.  Fall and spring are good times to do this.
• Offer correct lighting.  Corn plants don’t need a lot of bright light.  They do best in medium light.  An eastern exposure where they get some morning sun works well.
• Fertilize.  Feed your corn plant with a well-balanced organic food in spring and fall.
• Brown leaf tips?  Corn plants are notorious for developing brown leaf tips which can be caused by uneven watering or low humidity.  Brown leaf tips can be cut off. More info>>
• Too tall?  When your plant becomes too tall for its space, it’s time to air-layer.  This refers to the process of partially cutting the trunk to create a new plant and then removing the new plant which can then be planted in the same pot .More Info >>