All About Dracaena

Dracaenas are a popular houseplant that come in several varieties, all which are prized for their foliage and easy care nature. Native to Africa and parts of Asia and Central America, Dracaenas are a must add to any houseplant collection.They prefer bright indirect light and warm temps (75-85 during the day and 60-70 at night). Their soil should be kept moist at all times.

Care and Propagation

Dracaenas can be easily propagated by either stem cuttings or air layering. To stimulate new growth cut back to within 4-6 inches of pot rim. This techinique is especially helpful for older plants. Dracaenas are not particularly disease prone but are a favorite plant of spider mites. To prevent keep humidity levels up, especially during periods of hot, dry weather or during the winter when homes are centrally heated. This can easily be accomplished by using humidity trays. All varieties of Dracaenas are toxic to pets, so be sure to keep them out of reach. Here’s a look at the most popular varieties:

Popular Varieties

Dracaena sanderiana: Although known as “Lucky Bamboo” ,this plant is a member of the Dracaena family. It’s often sold growing in water and will do fine as long as the water is changed every two weeks. Avoid highly fluoridated, softened or chlorinated water, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow. Other causes of yellowing leaves are exposure to direct sunlight, or overgrown roots. D. sanderiana can also be grown in a soil. Use a high quality potting mix. Some pet stores sell D. sanderiana as a aquarium plant but it is not suited to such growing conditions and will eventually rot.

Dracaena decremensis: Known as “Janet Craig” ,this variety of Dracaena is prized for its glossy green leaves and tolerance for low lighting. Like D. sanderiana it likes moist but not saturated soil. If the soil is allowed to dry out the leaves will become dull and curl up. Water with filtered water to avoid yellow spots forming on the leaves.

Dracaena fragrans: Known as “Corn Plant” due to the way its broad striped leaves and growing habit resemble those of corn stalks, D. fragrans makes an excellent specimen plant. It grows on thick canes that can reach several feet in height while the leaves can grow up to three feet in length.

Dracaena godseffiana: Known as “Gold Dust”, this variety has a very unique look unlike any other Dracaena. It is a small, slow growing shrub with wide oval leaves that look like they’ve had yellow paint sprinkled on them, The yellow spots turn white when the plant matures. D.godseffiana is a popular plant for terrariums and other small containers, and has been proven to remove impurities from the air.