Overview

Dracaenas are very popular houseplants originating from Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands. Hailing from the Asparagus family (Asparagaceae), the genus is made up of 40 species – its dramatic foliage extending up to one-foot long and a couple of inches wide with beautiful, coloured patterns. Dracaenas are also known for their air-purifying qualities and their ability to reach up to 3-feet tall as an indoor plant. Simple, easy-going and always at-attention in their upright growth, Dracaenas are an excellent focal point in any room or office.

Dracaena Family

Care Tips

     Care Level : Beginner, Expert or Somewhere in the middle.

Dracaenas are fairly simple to take of and are able to withstand a decent amount of neglect. They’re an excellent tree-type houseplant for beginners. 

     Light

Dracaenas will thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in the direct sun, otherwise the rays will burn its foliage. Periodically wipe down their leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles preventing it from photosynthesizing properly.

     Water

Dracaenas require less water than the average houseplant. Water when the two 2” of its soil is dry. You can taper down in the winter and allow its soil to dry out in between watering. They’re sensitive to tap water, so use filtered water or leave your tap water out overnight. Dropping or yellowing leaves is an indicator of over-watering or waterlogging.

 

     Humidity

Dracaenas will grow in spaces with natural humidity. However, Dracaenas are rainforest plants, so we recommend you mist frequently, place on top of a tray of pebbles submerged in water or pair with a humidifier. 

 

     Temperature

Dracaenas will thrive in temperatures between 15-21°C and can withstand temperatures going as low as 5°C in the evening. Avoid placing near cold drafts, AC units or heat sources.

     Pets

Toxic to your furry friends. Cat eyes will become dilated and both cats and dogs will present vomiting, excess saliva and lack of appetite symptoms if ingested.

Dracaena Florida Beauty

Dracaena Warneckii Lemon Lime

Dracaena Marginata Colorama

     Other fun facts:

• Stems of the Dracaena are called canes which can be pruned at any point to keep the plant’s “clean” look.
• The origin of the plant name comes from the ancient Greek word drakaina or “female dragon,” due to a red gum-like resin in the stems of dracaena that was likened to dragon blood. I am Dracaena – hear me roar! Or breathe fire?
• Centuries ago, Dracaena resin was used for toothpaste, dyes, and medicines. Today, it is still used for varnish and photoengraving.
• Dracaena possesses a secondary thickening meristem (the tissue which helps plants grow). Its secondary meristem allows it to grow wide, thick and succulent roots. S/he THICC.

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