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
Late blooming Esperanza in St. Augustine FL
April 21, 2011 - I bought an Esperanza at a plant expo- I was told it was a Florida native Allamanda. It took me two years to figure out what I had. Mine grows 8 ft. tall and is huge! But it doesn't bloom until alm...
view the full question and answer
Survival of non-native rosemary on sea breeze from Alberta Canada
July 28, 2011 - I read that Rosemary, in some locations, can live on nothing other than the humidity carried by the sea breeze. Is this true?
view the full question and answer
Florist Gloxinia Care
October 01, 2015 - Got a florist gloxinia and it was doing great for months. Went on vacation and returned; it was wilted. Think son watered it too much. Allowed it to dry. It has some new leaves forming on the very leg...
view the full question and answer
Pictures of Bastard Cabbage from Dallas TX
April 07, 2012 - HI! Re your March 12 posting:
The USDA Plants website pictures two very different looking plants identified as Rapistrum rugosum (bastardcabbage). Would you please post a photo with leaf and bloom ...
view the full question and answer
New house plant in pot in Chevy Chase MD
May 07, 2010 - Is it possible for one house plant to eventually die in the pot while a completely different plant grows in its place? The new plant looks similar to the potted plant next to it but it is not quite t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |