How to Grow and Care for a Brazilian Wood Plant
Learn the essential care for your Brazilian Wood Plant. This guide offers insight into its unique growth habits to ensure its long-term health and beauty.
The Brazilian Wood Plant, Dracaena fragrans, is a popular houseplant known for its resilience and straightforward care. It often goes by other names, such as “Corn Plant” or “Mass Cane,” because its stem resembles a corn stalk. Its distinctive appearance, featuring a sturdy, wood-like stem from which clusters of vibrant green leaves emerge, makes it an attractive addition to any indoor space.
Brazilian Wood Plant Care
Light
This plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near a window where the sun’s rays are filtered, as direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause brown spots or pale patches. While it prefers bright conditions, the Brazilian Wood Plant is adaptable and can tolerate lower light levels, making it suitable for various locations within a home or office. In lower light, the plant’s growth may slow, and new leaves might be smaller.
Water
Overwatering is a common pitfall in caring for this plant. The soil should be allowed to dry out to a depth of one to two inches before watering again. When you water, do so thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Do not let the plant sit in a saucer of water, as this can lead to root rot.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is important for Dracaena fragrans to prevent water from accumulating around its roots. A standard houseplant soil amended with perlite or sand works well. This type of medium retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged, ensuring the roots have access to both water and oxygen for healthy growth.
Temperature & Humidity
As a native of tropical Africa, the Brazilian Wood Plant appreciates warm and humid conditions, thriving in indoor temperatures from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as it does not tolerate cold well. While it can handle average household humidity, increasing the moisture in the air will help it flourish, especially during dry winter months. You can do this by misting the leaves, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizer
The Brazilian Wood Plant is a slow-grower and does not require heavy feeding. During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize every 6-8 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil and cause the leaf tips to burn.
Sprouting and Growth
If you purchase the plant as a “lucky log,” the first step is to encourage the cane to sprout. To begin, place the log upright in a shallow dish or tray with about a half-inch of water, ensuring only the bottom is submerged. Change this water every few days to keep it fresh and place the container in bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, roots should develop from the base and green shoots will emerge from the cane.
Once a healthy root system and leaves have formed, the log can be planted in soil. Select a pot with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix, then plant the rooted log at the same depth it was sitting in water, gently packing the soil around its base. As the plant matures, it will produce long, arching leaves from the top or sides of the original cane and can eventually reach a height of around 6 feet, creating a dramatic, tree-like appearance over several years.
Common Problems
Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of overwatering, indicating that the soil is not drying out sufficiently between waterings. If you notice this, check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule, ensuring the pot has adequate drainage.
Brown tips on the leaves are another common issue, often caused by low humidity or sensitivity to chemicals like fluoride and chlorine in tap water. To prevent this, use filtered or distilled water and increase the ambient humidity around the plant.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale can also infest the plant. Regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth can help prevent them, but an infestation may require treatment with insecticidal soap or other appropriate treatments.
Toxicity for Pets and Humans
The Brazilian Wood Plant is toxic to both cats and dogs because it contains chemical compounds called saponins. If ingested, common symptoms of poisoning in pets include:
- Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Depression and weakness
- Dilated pupils (in cats)
If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact a veterinarian immediately. While toxic to pets, Dracaena fragrans is not considered harmful to humans. Ingestion may cause minor mouth or stomach irritation but does not lead to severe symptoms.