Dracaena
Dracaena plants add variety to your houseplant collection. With tall narrow tree light forms, dense form, and also including now Snake plants Dracaenas are the plants that provide structural form in your home designs.
There are several popular types of dracaena plants, including “lucky bamboo” (Dracaena sanderiana), which is actually not a bamboo at all. These are traditionally sold in either glass/ceramic non draining containers with decorative rocks. Great gifts for teachers/kids.
Dracaena fragrans, called “corn plant,” has thick brown stems and green leaves (often with a yellow stripe down the middle) that look like those of a corn plant. The thick brown stem gives a very formal look with height to your room. The bright pops of color from the foliage are just amazing.
Dracaena deremensis is a sturdy type that has thinner leaf blades than Dracaena fragrans; popular varieties include Janet Craig and Limelight. Some of the more light tolerant and also easy care for plants :).
You may also want to consider Dracaena marginata, sometimes called “dragon tree.” It has thin brown stems with tufts of spiky leaves on top, and can grow to be 6-10 feet tall.
Light -
Indirect bright light - north/east-facing windows or shaded south- and west-facing ones, or a few feet back from a unshaded south- or west-facing window.
Usually all Dracaena with a varigated foliage will require more light. Giving them indirect bright light will ensure proper growth color vibrancy.
Low Light Tolerant - north/east-facing windows and offices with fluorescent lighting.
Keeping in mind solid green foliage Dracaenas will tolerate low light the best. Janet Craig, Mona Lisa for example will live very happily in low light areas.
Either closer to the window to absorb more indirect bright light but up to 6 ft away as long as you can still cast a shadow in the location will provide enough light. Keep an eye on how its being watered in these different locations.
Temperature & Humidity:
Tropical plants do best in a humid and slightly warm environment. They thrive best above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and they love a light misting of water.
If your plant gets too dry, it may begin to develop brown tips on its leaves. In the event that this happens, placing it next to a humidifier will help avoid further damage to the leaves.
If your Dracaena gets too cold, it may suffer from shock and may even die. Ensure that you are placing this plant away from any drafty windows or A/C vents that could blow cold air onto your plant.
Water:
Water well. Check every 10-14 days.
ensuring all excess water drains and plant is not sitting in any excess water. (Always recommend pots with drainage holes and saucers)
Dracaenas do not need to be watered frequent and it is a plant that can go slightly dry between waterings especially if your Dracaena is hanging out in the lower light areas.
Overwatering - can cause your plant to die, and wilted or soft leaves that have yellowed are often a sign of overwatering. It is preferable to keep your soil slightly moist, letting it dry out in between waterings and if in doubt let it dry out! Many different factors can change your watering schedule.
Sunlight and seasons affect how quickly a plant will drink water and you just adapt to those changes. That’s what makes it fun!
