Enjoy a tree-like form and leafy greenery with the Dracaena Mass Cane. The Mass Cane is a variegated plant that is slow-growing and easy to maintain. The key to Dracaena care is finding a good spot and mostly leaving the plant alone. Find out what the Mass Cane plant needs to thrive so you can ensure this stunner is right at home in your space.
Plant Details
Formally known as Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana,’ this plant also goes by Dragon Tree or Corn Plant due to the leaf shape. As a Dracaena fragrans, the Mass Cane is closely related to the Janet Craig.
Initially from tropical regions in Africa, Mass Cane plants in nature can reach 50 feet tall, but houseplants tend to max out around 4 or 6 feet. Be prepared to wait if you want a large plant because even with ideal care, this beauty grows slowly.
The Mass Cane features a thick stalk or cane. The cane has a textured, woody appearance. The broad, sword-shaped foliage is green with yellowish-light green strips running down the center. Leaves grow in bunches at the ends of the stalk. Mature plants may have a couple of leaf cluster rosettes on each cane.
Corn Plant Plant Light Needs
Medium to bright, indirect sunlight is ideal for Mass Cane plant care. Dracaenas can live in low light, but they will not thrive. This leafy beauty needs increased light to maintain its variegation. The foliage will appear dull, and there won’t be much contrast in the variegation when the plant receives limited light.
Direct sunlight is trouble and will burn the foliage, so keep the plant set back from a south-facing window. Routinely rotate the container so each side receives consistent sunlight and the plant grows upright. The Mass Cane will lean toward the light source if it is never turned.
How Often to Water Mass Cane Plant
Water the Mass Cane plant when the top couple of inches of potting mix are dry to the touch. Remember that sunlight and humidity will impact how quickly the soil dries, so feeling the soil to determine the dryness is the most effective way to determine when to water the plant. Thoroughly saturate the soil when it is time to water. Remove any water that drains through the container.
The leaf tips will die, turning yellow and then brown when the plant is overwatered. Trim the damaged growth using a clean and sharp pair of shears and let the top layer of the potting mix dry before giving the plant more water.
Periodically rinse the leaves or wipe the foliage with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Best Soil for Mass Cane
Mass Cane plants are not picky about soil, but a rich, well-drained potting mix with a slightly acidic pH is preferred. Drainage is the most important trait when choosing a potting mix. Most general mixes work well, but amend the mix with perlite to improve the drainage. Mixes intended for succulents or cacti also work well for Dranaena.
Temperature for Corn Plant
The ideal temperature for the Mass Cane plant is 60° to 75° F. Warm temperatures, as the plant would experience in nature, are best, and most homes are comfortable enough. Cold temperatures are damaging, so keep the plant away from drafts and vents.
Mass Cane Plant Humidity Needs
Corn plants prefer increased humidity, but most can comfortably live in average humidity ranging from 40% to 50%. The leaves will develop brown edges when the air is too dry. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray with water to increase the dampness if you notice damage from low humidity.
Mass Cane Plant Fertilizer
Corn plants are not heavy feeders, but regular fertilization keeps them lush and growing. Fertilize Mass Cane plants using a balanced plant food every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize dormant plants. Always water the plant before fertilizing or use a water-soluble plant food to protect the roots from fertilizer burn.
Does Mass Cane Bloom?
The Mass Cane plant does bloom, although it is rare for houseplants to do so. The fragrant white flowers bloom in clusters.
Mass Cane Pruning Tips
Remove dead or damaged growth from the Dracaena as needed. Prune offshoots if you wish to maintain the shape of the plant. Keep your Mass Cane at a consistent height by removing the top. This process of pruning the top of the cane has the grim nickname, beheading, but hold onto the offcut to propagate.
When to Repot Corn Plant
Repot your Dracaena Mass Cane every 2 to 3 years. This leafy beauty is a slow grower, so it takes time for it to need an upgrade. Repot plants during the spring or summer when they are actively growing. Always give the plant fresh soil when repotting.
Mass Cane Plant Propagation
Dracaenas are easy to propagate via stem cuttings. Remove a stem section that measures at least a few inches long and has leaves. Place the cut end in water or soil. Keep the potting mix damp but not soggy when soil propagating cuttings. Roots will grow in a few weeks. Transplant water propagated cuttings to potting mix when the roots are a couple of inches long.
Stem cuttings drastically change the appearance of a Mass Cane plant, but the parent plant will push out new growth and have a new and interesting look.
Is Mass Cane Plant Pet Safe?
The Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana,’ or Mass Cane, is toxic for pets. The Mass Cane contains saponin. Eating this chemical compound can cause vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, and excessive drooling. Cats may also experience dilated pupils. Ingesting large amounts of saponin can be fatal. While the Mass Cane is stunning, be aware of the risks before bringing this large plant into your home if you have pets.
Mass Cane Plant Styling Tips
Mass Canes are sizable plants that can easily dominate without overwhelming the space. Large plants work wonderfully alongside a sunny window or framing a door. Achieve the same look by pairing a medium-sized plant with a plant stand. Select a neutral pot to not distract from the lush foliage.
Mass Cane Plant Care Tips
The Dracaena Mass Cane plant is a stunner that introduces a tropical vibe without much care. This leafy tree-like plant adds height and elevates the style of a space while also being an excellent option for new plant owners or anyone who appreciates vibrant foliage but doesn’t want a big commitment.