If you are looking for an attractive, versatile indoor plant that doesn't demand
much of your time or attention, look no further than the dracaenas. They are easy, tolerating low light, low humidity and infrequent watering. Keep in mind that while Dracaenas will tolerate adverse conditions, they will be much happier and healthier with just a little care. But it is nice to have a plant that can take conditions that are less than ideal. There are several species of dracaena that make great house plants, and each species has several variations. Most indoor gardeners are familiar with the corn plant: Dracaena fragrans grows large leaves from a woody cane, resembling a corn plant. A popular version of this plant is D. massangeana, with bright yellow stripes down the middle of its leaves. Dracaena marginata has much narrower leaves that can
be as much as 2 feet long. As it matures, it develops an attractive gray trunk and loses its lower leaves. Plain Dracaena marginata has green leaves with a red edge and there are variations with pink, yellow and white in the leaves. Tricolor is one of the best. Another form, Dracaena deremensis, offers some great compact plants such as D. 'Warneckii' and 'Janet Craig' with bold leaves. There iseven a version called D. 'Lemon' because of its amazing yellow foliage. Gold-dust plants, Dracaena surculosa,are extremely attractive with heavily spotted leaves on sturdy plants. One of the most rugged dracaenas is the ribbon plant, D. sanderiana. It offers variegated leaves and seems to hang in there and put out a little new growth no matter what. To select a good dracaena, look for a plant with clean, healthy foliage. On varieties with woody canes, look for firm trunks with an attractive form. Some varieties, especially Dracaena marginata, are prized more for the form of the trunks than the foliage. Make sure they are well-rooted.
Tips for Growing Healthy Dracaenas
What are the light requirements for Dracaenas? They are tolerant of low light but will do their best with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun in the afternoon. Plants grown in low light grow very slowly.
How much water do they need? Dracaenas do well with a weekly soaking. Do not allow them to stand with water in the saucer for more than an hour or two. They may need a little more water in the warmer months. Avoid allowing dracaenas to dry out completely.
Do they have any special temperature requirements? They tolerate a wide range of temperatures and do well in almost any indoor environment. If it is especially warm, be sure to provide extra water.
Do Dracaenas need much humidity? Dracaenas are very adaptable. While most of them would like moderate humidity, they can all tolerate dry or very humid air. Ideally, they would like to be misted every few days.
How much fertilizer do they require? During the spring and summer, feed them once or twice a month with a water-soluble fertilizer such as Excel Gro™. They don't require any fertilizer in late fall or winter.
Troubleshooting Problems with Dracaenas
What causes the leaves to have brown edges? Brown edges are usually from a buildup of salts in the soil or a reaction to fluoride in the water. Switch to distilled water.
When the whole plant looks droopy, what is the problem? This could be either over- or under-watering. When it's over-watering, it happens gradually and the leaves turn a little yellow. When its under-watering, it can happen quickly and the plant recovers when watered.
What causes the plant to lose its lower leaves? If it isn't just the natural shedding of lower leaves as the plant matures, it may be due to the plant being kept too warm and dry.
Why is all the new growth so small? Small or slow new growth usually indicates the plant needs to be fertilized.
What causes scorched spots on the leaves? Scorched patches on the leaves are most commonly caused by too much (or too sudden) direct sun. It can also be caused by water on the foliage in the direct sun.
When the leaves just look unhealthy and off color, what might be the problem? Check for spider mites, especially if conditions are warm and dry. These are sucking insects that leave the leaf looking rough and unhealthy. Spray with an insecticide for indoor plants.
Are there any other insect problems to watch for? Dracaenas will occasionally have problems with mealy bugs and scale. Both can be treated with an insecticide containing pyrethrins or they can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
I had a Dracaena that developed grayish-brown areas on the leaves. Why? The gray indicates a fungus problem. This can be avoided by increasing air circulation, keeping the plant a little bit drier and lowering the humidity.
The woody stems of the plant seem soft. Why? This is caused by injury or when the plant is kept too wet.
When I first brought my Dracaena home, it dropped a few leaves. What caused that to happen? This can be the result of a sudden change in temperatures or the plant adjusting to a lower light level. Unless it continues to happen, don't worry.
What type of soil do they prefer? Any quality well-drained potting soil such as Exceloam.
When should I repot my dracaena? If your plant outgrows the container, repot it in spring, but keep in mind it likes to be a bit potbound.
Will they need any grooming? Dracaenas tend to collect dust on their leaves and will profit from an occasional tepid shower or dusting. You can wipe dust off with a damp cloth. Use plant shine sparingly. They will occasionally develop some brown tips that can be trimmed off with scissors.
How are they propagated? Most dracaenas are propagated by stem cuttings. On some varieties, the cut tip is rooted. On others, new shoots will develop from the old trunk. Ask for more information on a specific variety.
Recommended Products
Quality Dracaenas
Bachman's Exceloam Potting Soil
Containers and Saucers
Artificial Lights for Indoor Gardening
Excel Gro™ Water Soluble Fertilizer
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