DRACAENA
INFO + CARE

dracaena-sansevieria-tiara-grand-gazelle

genus: Dracaena Vand. ex L.

type: trees and succulent shrubs

family: Asparagaceae

native range: Africa, southern Asia through to northern Australia,

with two species in tropical Central America.

zone: 10 to 13

height/ length: to 25 m

spread: to 5m

type species: Dracaena guianensis Daudin

bloom time: seasonal bloomer

bloom description: varies per species

sun: full sun to part shade

water: low

maintenance: low

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: toxic to pets, safe to humans

dracaena-sansevieria-inti-foliage-factory

Dracaena is a genus of about 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs. The formerly accepted genera Pleomele and Sansevieria are now included in Dracaena.

The majority of the species are native to Africa, southern Asia through to northern Australia, with two species in tropical Central America.

Species of Dracaena have a secondary thickening meristem in their trunk, termed Dracaenoid thickening by some authors, which is quite different from the thickening meristem found in dicotyledonous plants.

Dracaena species can be classified in two growth types: treelike dracaenas (Dracaena fragrans, Dracaena draco, Dracaena cinnabari), which have aboveground stems that branch from nodes after flowering, or if the growth tip is severed, and rhizomatous dracaenas (Dracaena trifasciata, Dracaena angolensis), which have underground rhizomes and leaves on the surface (ranging from straplike to cylindrical).

Many species of Dracaena are kept as houseplants due to tolerance of lower light and sparse watering.

The name dracaena is derived from the romanized form of the Ancient Greek δράκαινα – drakaina, "female dragon".[citation needed]

Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

Easily grown as an indoor plant. Tolerates a wide range of indoor temperatures. For best results, place in bright indirect light locations protected from direct sun and drafts. Tolerates low light, but foliage loses best color in too much shade.

Protect from hot afternoon sun. Best grown in a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly during the growing season, with significantly reduced watering from fall to late winter. Do not pour water on the center of the rosette. Clay pots that are wider than they are high are often used to make sure this tall and narrow plant is stable and does not topple over. Indoor plants may be placed in shady outside locations in summer. Propagate by leaf cuttings or dividing offsets.