Question
QUESTION: We have a 2 1/2 year old grandson.  My corn plant bloomed for the first time and the smell is very strong.  I just read that the corn plant is poisonous.  Our grandson loves to help me water my plants.  Would it be best to give the plant away?

ANSWER: Marilyn

There are numerous plants called corn plants. The most common is ("Cornstalk") Dracaena fragrans'Massangeana', which has a bright yellow central stripe on the leaves. Without any pictures I will assume this is the type plant you have in your house.

While some plants are considered poisonous very few would seriously hurt you. I once read an article that claimed there has never been a recorded death from eating an indoor houseplant in the USA. Most would make oneself sick to their stomach, irritate the skin or otherwise cause much discomfort. That said the cornstalk plant is listed on the poisonous plant list. This means it may cause problems if eaten. Be aware a large amount of the plant would have to be consumed to cause a problem. Stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhea would be the main problem.

I have a cornstalk plant (about 20 years in my house). I have 2 cats (16 yrs and 2 yrs) and a grandson (13 yrs). I've never had a problem with any of them getting sick. The young cat plays in the plant. She may have bit the leaves a few times, but no problem was caused. I normally chase her away from the plant. I am more worried about her tearing the plant up. I have always taught my children (and grandson) to eat their vegetables not the indoor or outdoor plants. I did explain to them that eating indoor and outdoor plants will make you sick to your stomach and feel terrible.

Sounds like your grandson likes plants. I think it would be better to educate him about indoor and outdoor plants. The choice is yours. If it really bothers you give the plant away. You may have other plants on the poisonous list.

Good luck and I hope this helps you decide what to do.
Rick




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Rick
Thanks for your reply.

What I am calling a corn plant has a 1/2" dark green center stripe,
1/8" white stripe on each side of the dark green stripe, a 1/2" lime green stripe on the outside  of the white stripe.  Is this a corn plant?  It did have a white cluster bloom, smelled like Jasmine that I cut out because the smell was too strong for our sun room.

Answer
Your plant may be a Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig', another hybrid of the corn plant. Type the name into your search engine and see if the picture matches your plant. There are other hybrids of Dracaena fragrans. This one sounds most like yours. Indoor plants normally will flower if given enough light.

I am in southern NJ. Let me know what you find out.
Rick