Dracaena.

En un coup d'œil

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Light

Bright indirect to medium light.

Indoor light

medium

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

150 to 300 cm tall.

Growth rate

slow

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Rarely indoors, occasionally in summer.

Entretien

Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Keep an eye out for brown leaf tips, which often signal low humidity or tap water sensitivity. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust free and healthy.

Watering

Water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning

Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth.

Repotting

Repot when the plant becomes root bound or the soil breaks down.

Soil

Well draining peat based potting mix.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 27°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years with proper care.

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Sécurité

People

The leaves contain saponins which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain if eaten.

Pets

These plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of the leaves.

Contact allergens

Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the sap if they have sensitive skin.

Airborne allergens

It is not typically known to cause respiratory issues for most people.

Edibility

This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep it away from curious mouths.

Comment l'identifier

• long, sword shaped leaves
• woody, cane like stems
• often variegated foliage patterns
• rosette growth habit

Height

0.6 to 3m

Spread

0.3 to 1m

Leaves

green, yellow, red, evergreen

Flowers

white, cream, 1 to 2cm

Problèmes courants

• Spider mites — These tiny pests create fine webbing and cause yellowing leaves.
• Root rot — Overwatering leads to mushy, dark roots and wilting foliage.
• Fluoride toxicity — Brown leaf tips often appear due to sensitivity to fluoride in tap water.

La cultiver

Propagation

cuttings, air layering

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during the winter months. Reduce watering frequency as growth slows down in lower light.

In containers

They thrive in containers and prefer a snug fit, so do not overpot them.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make your routine easier.

Bonnes associations

• Peace Lily — They share similar light and moisture requirements for easy care.
• Pothos — Their trailing habit contrasts beautifully with the upright Dracaena.

À éloigner de

• Succulents — They require much more direct sun and less water than a Dracaena.

Espèces similaires

• Corn Plant — It has a similar growth habit but features broader, corn like leaves.
• Lucky Bamboo — It is a close relative that can grow in water alone.

Science

Native range

Tropical Africa, Asia, and parts of northern Australia.

Conservation

Most species are common in cultivation and not currently under threat in the wild.

They grow as understory plants in tropical forests, adapted to filtered light and warm temperatures.

Uses

Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Office greenery

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?

This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in your tap water.

How often should I water it?

Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again.

D'où vient le nom

The name refers to the red resin found in some species, which was historically called dragon's blood. It was formally classified by Linnaeus.

Bon à savoir

• The name comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon.
• They are incredibly resilient and can tolerate lower light conditions.
• Some species can grow into large, tree like structures in their native habitats.