Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - February 04, 2008
From: Royal Palm Beach, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of non-native dracaena potted plant
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Last summer I was given a corn plant that stands about 6ft tall. About 2 weeks ago it began to flower. Over time I've had maybe 3 or 4 of these plants and never had any of them bloomed. Is this normal - merely suggesting that it's happy where I've got it? The smell is quite overpowering and a bit on the obnoxious side (for me anyway.) The flowers have lasted about 2 weeks and are finally falling off the plant now (and with them the smell, thank god.) In the books I have on houseplants I can't find any mention of them flowering. What can you tell me about this? Thank you,ANSWER:
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is focused on the care and propagation of plants native to North America. We realize, however, that most indoor pot plants are non-native tropicals or sub-tropicals and are always happy to help out with plant care. Dracaena fragrans is a native of West Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
We found this website that addresses your exact problem, "Dracaena fragrans, That's How It Got Its Name". It would appear that fragrance is in the nose of the beholder. Since you also live in South Florida, as does the writer of the article, you might choose to put the plant out in the ground and away from the house if you don't find the "fragrance" all that pleasant.
More Non-Natives Questions
Fruit trees for Buckeye AZ
May 16, 2010 - I am moving to Buckeye Az from Utah and would like to know what type of fruit trees I can grow.
Thanks!
view the full question and answer
Pruning of non-native oxblood lilies from Austin
March 27, 2014 - My Oxblood Lilies flowered quite late last Fall. Their foliage is still very green. Can I cut it down now or do I have to wait until it goes brown?
view the full question and answer
Top soil dressing for bermudagrass
February 25, 2009 - Need to apply top soil dressing to bermudagrass. Can you suggest any type? This area is heavy clay soil and need to even out the lawn as well as feed the grass.
view the full question and answer
Conditions for non-native, poisonous mandrakes
July 04, 2006 - What climates or conditions can mandrakes live in? Do they have to live submerged in water, with some water, or with very little? Why?
Thanks
view the full question and answer
Problems with Habiturf in Austin
May 10, 2014 - I have been trying to establish a Habiturf lawn in my back yard. It is approximately a 1,000 square foot area and this last seeding was the third over about one and a half years. I just recently over ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |