Dracaena – How to Grow and Care for – The Complete Guide
Dracaena is a popular indoor plant native to Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands. The plant name is derived from the ancient Greek word drakaina or “female dragon”, due to a red gum-like resin in the stalks of Dracaena that was similar to dragon blood. Many decades ago, this resin was used for toothpaste, medicines, and dyes. Now, it is still used for varnish and photoengraving. The plant is also known as Pleomele and the Song of India.
The caring of Dracaena plant is very easy, and they can even survive a certain amount of desertion. Above all, Dracaena helps to purify the air we breathe.
Dracaena is a decorative houseplant that grows both indoors and outdoors in subtropical climates. It gets a height of about three feet indoors, and has a bushy tree type of appearance. Its shiny leaves can grow up to one foot long and a few inches wide.
In the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), there are about 40 species in the genus Dracaena. The most famous one is the yellow edged variegate type called Song of India. An exciting fact about this plant is that it retains a secondary thickening meristem. Its secondary meristem permits it to grow wide, dense and succulent roots.
Not only does its intense foliage with lovely color patterns make a great central point in any room, but it can also help to purify and improve air quality. Rubbing both the upper surfaces and bases of the leaves frequently with a moist cloth lets the plant exchange air freely.
Dracaena Varieties
Dracaena Reflexa
Dracaena Reflexa is the most popular of the Dracaena species. They are generally known as Song of India or Pleomele. As one of the most outstanding indoor plants, the leaves are its major attraction. You can’t miss the yellow lines featured on the narrow pointy leaves of this houseplant. This flexible plant flourishes indoors or in a partially shady outdoor area.
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Marginata is an evergreen plant that can grow eight to fifteen feet high and 3 to 8 feet wide with good care. They are commonly known as red-edge dracaena or Madagascar dragon tree. It has rigid purplish-red leaves and thin, curving stems for trunks. Since it can’t endure low light but is not frost hardy, it is regularly grown indoors. They make superb indoor plants because they are drought tolerant and among the more lenient Dracaena plants.
Dracaena Massangeana
Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana or Dracaena Massangeana is generally referred to as mass cane or corn plant, and is commonly used indoors. It is cheap compared to other indoor plants, and the least expensive of these plant varieties. Mass cane is categorized by its dense, woody canes and long strap-like leaves. Although reasonable natural lighting is perfect, it is lenient in low light situations. This plant grows slowly and steadily, so it can fit in a particular area for a long time without needing much care.
Care Tips
If you’re doubting how to care for Dracaena, we’ve got you covered with these tips. Generally, Dracaena care is comparatively simple.
Light: Filtered indoor light or a semi-shade spot is perfect. Never place a Dracaena plant in direct sunlight as the rays will destroy its vegetation.
Water: They need less water than most houseplants. Keep them hydrated by mist over the leaves with water and keeping the soil lightly misted as well with decent drainage. Always let the top soil dry out before watering. Do not overwater, as it may cause root decay.
Dropping or yellowing leaves may indicate excessive watering or poor drainage, but do not worry if you notice yellowing and falling leaves below. It is usual for Dracaena to shed leaves in order to grow new plants.
These plants are vulnerable to fluoride, which can be found in tap water, so it’s important to use clean water when caring for this plant. Leaves with dark brown and dead parts with yellow edges may point to fluoride poisonousness.
Temperatures: Dracaena likes temperatures ranging from 65 – 78℉ during the day. Night temperatures can descent about ten degrees cooler, but cold breezes and temperatures below 55℉ will damage the plant. Ensure that you display your plant away from any heating or cooling machines.
Normal room moisture is fine seeing as the Dracaena is such a robust houseplant, but it does like the higher moisture of its normal rainforest environment. You can improve moisture with a commercial humidifier or by placing the plant on a plate of pebbles, with water reaching just below the pebble tops.
Toxicity: Dracaena is toxic to cats and dogs, if consumed. Cats may have distended pupils, and both cats and dogs can present indications such as vomiting, excess saliva and absence of appetite. As a pet owner, it’s significant to select your houseplants with care and doing so means being educated about houseplants that are poisonous to our furry friends.
Pests and Problems: These plants are normally free from severe insect or disease harm. However, you should be vigilant for mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Mealybugs and scale can both be treated with an insecticide that has Pyrethrin.
Dracaena is a flexible, easy-to-care for indoor plant that does well indoors or outdoors in partial shade if you live in a subtropical region.
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