The Dracaena plant name, which is derived from the Greek word “drakaina,” literally translates as “female dragon.” The plant was given its name because when its stems are cut, a scarlet liquid flows out that many people associate with dragon blood.
A distant relative of asparagus, the genus Dracaena includes tropical shrubs and trees that resemble palms. The Dracaena, which comes in about 40 different kinds, is a succulent similar to the agave.
Because dracaena trees and shrubs have attractive foliage, it makes sense why they are so well-liked as houseplants. They are most frequently used as indoor plants, landscape plants, or greenhouse plants. The plant does best outside in tropical climates, though.
A dracaena is what sort of plant?
Tropical trees and shrubs known as dracaena plants are very common indoor plants. Dracaena types are attractive drought-tolerant plants that grow well in low to high light conditions inside.
The majority of dracaena species have bushy foliage, tall, pointed, lanceolate stems, and upright woody stems. While larger dracaena plants make wonderful floor plants, compact dracaena varieties are perfect for tabletops.
Interesting leaves and growth patterns can be seen in many dracaena cultivars. Long, glossy green dracaena leaves with reddish margins are one variety. Other species have broad, lustrous leaves with attractive variegation patterns or yellow stripes. When fully grown, many dracaena plants resemble miniature trees.
The page serves as a guide to the most often used dracaena plant kinds for decorating interior spaces. Additionally, you’ll learn how to take care of these easy-to-care-for leafy houseplants.
Do dragon trees count as succulents?
An intriguing succulent that is frequently grown inside; it will get fairly big if planted outdoors in frost-free climates; in the summer, it produces greenish-white flowers that are followed by eye-catching orange berries; it works well in containers.
Do dracaenas count as cacti?
is a kind of plant that is frequently grown as a houseplant and in landscaping. They provide a range of health advantages. But extraordinary popularity also raises questions. What kind of plant is dracaena, you might be wondering at this point? A genus of roughly 40 species of succulent shrubs and trees is the quick response. But these plants are more than that.
The agave, a succulent plant native to tropical America and the southern United States with rosettes of narrow, prickly leaves, is related to dracaena. This enormous genus contains the poplar houseplant as well as some impressive xeric trees that are mostly employed for outdoor landscaping. More than 100 recognized species exist. Some of them are constantly being categorized and are hardly ever used in cultivation.
Water
If you’re unsure of how much water to give this plant, err on the side of caution because you don’t want to overwater it.
Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out in between waterings is a reasonable rule of thumb. You’re probably overwatering it if the leaves begin to droop.
One additional thing: if your local municipal water contains fluoride, let it sit overnight before watering your plants or use distilled water because these plants don’t like fluoride. Your dracaena can be suffering from fluoride toxicity if you see brown leaves or dead regions.
Temperature
Although these plants are quite tolerant, they don’t appreciate temperatures below 60 °F. You should be alright if you keep it away from drafty windows and air conditioner vents.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, use a reliable 10-10-10 fertilizer and apply it every two weeks (spring and fall).
Or, as I do, you may just add Indoor Plant Food each time you water. With the exception of the succulents, I can use it on all of my plants, which is why I enjoy it because I don’t have to keep track of a fertilization schedule. This makes plant care simple and removes all the guesswork from fertilizing!
Pretty easy! If you already take care of succulents or a snake plant and want to expand your collection of low-maintenance plants, this is a fantastic next step.
Where should a dracaena plant be placed?
These growth advice are here to help if you’re unsure how to take care of dracaena. Care for dracaenas is typically not too difficult.
Light: A spot with filtered inside light is good (for example, through a sheer curtain in front of a sunny window). A dracaena plant should never be placed in direct sunlight as the rays will scorch the leaf.
Dracaenas demand less water than the majority of houseplants. By lightly sprinkling the soil (never saturated) and the leaves with water, you can keep the plants hydrated and ensure proper drainage. Before watering, the top soil should always be allowed to dry off. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Overwatering or poor drainage may be the cause of drooping or yellowing leaves, but if you observe that the bottom leaves are starting to fall and turn yellow, you shouldn’t be alarmed. It is typical for dracaena to lose leaves so that new ones can grow.
It is crucial to use filtered water when caring for these plants because they are sensitive to fluoride, which can be found in tap water. Fluoride toxicity may be indicated by leaves that are dark brown and by dead patches that have yellow borders.
Dracaena loves daytime temperatures between 65 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if nighttime lows can drop by approximately ten degrees, the plant will suffer from chilly drafts and temperatures below 55 degrees. Make sure to keep any heaters or air conditioners away from where you display your dracaena. Although the dracaena is a hardy indoor plant, it does prefer the higher humidity of its native rainforest home. Natural room humidity is fine. A commercial humidifier can increase humidity, as can setting the plant on a tray of pebbles with water just below the tops of the pebbles.
Toxicity: If consumed, toxic to cats and dogs. Dogs and cats can both exhibit symptoms including vomiting, excessive salivation, and lack of appetite. Cats may also have dilated pupils. Being aware of the plants that are poisonous to our furry friends can help you choose your indoor plants carefully as a pet owner.
Pests and issues: Serious insect or disease issues rarely affect dracaena plants. Scale, spider mites, and mealybugs are things to be cautious of. Scale and mealybugs are both treatable with pyrethrin-containing insecticides.
If you reside in a subtropical location, dracaena is a flexible, low-maintenance house plant that thrives both indoors and outside in partial shade. If you’re ready to grow a dracaena plant in your own house now that you know how simple it is to take care of one, check out our variety here.
Is the dracaena a shrub or a tree?
There are roughly 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs in the genus Dracaena (/drsin/). Dracaena now encompasses the formerly recognized genera Pleomele and Sansevieria.
What uses does the dracaena plant have?
Certainly, you have heard a lot about indoor plants and air filtration. They take in the airborne toxins. Every 24 hours, plants may remove up to 87 percent of volatile organic pollutants. This is in accordance with a NASA study. But certain plants are more effective at purifying the air than others.
One of the best houseplants for purifying the air is the dracaena. It aids in the removal of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These substances have been associated to a number of health issues, including anemia, renal illness, marrow disease, migraines, and respiratory issues.
The interior air quality will rise thanks to the houseplant. The American Society of Horticultural Science claims that in some places, indoor air can be 12 times more contaminated than outdoor air. The compounds in furnishings, paintings, textiles, and building materials are mostly to blame for this. By removing airborne impurities, dracaena will ease breathing difficulties, prevent colds, and promote general health.
Dracaena—is it a palm tree?
Dracaena marginata is not a palm tree, despite the fact that some types resemble them quite a bit. It belongs to the category of houseplants known as “fake palm,” which resembles actual palm trees like the Areca palm and the saw palmetto.
The full sun won’t harm Dracena.
In Mauritius, one can find the old dragon tree species Dracaena marginata flourishing in the wild. It is a lovely plant with lovely sword-like leaves. However, another kind is grown only for its foliage. Its scientific name is Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’. The major draw of this plant is its ornamental foliage, which is cream, green, and pink-striped and looks wonderful all year long.
It grows rather slowly and finally reaches a height of 3 to 4 meters. It looks best when placed in groups because of its striking, robust foliage. It has been paired with Phormium ‘Yellow Wave’ in this garden to create a stunning contrast. However, it also has a lovely morphology that looks beautiful in big tubs on a balcony or patio.
In tropical and subtropical gardens, Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’ thrives. Further south, it can withstand moderately cold winters, but not frost. It prefers healthy, well-drained soil with direct sunlight. One of the simplest plants to maintain is this one. To encourage a lovely branching habit, simply clip out a few of the cane-like stems in the spring. Watch out for mealy bugs if you’re growing these plants inside.
Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor’ is one of those must-have leaf plants that looks amazing in every season, whether it is grown in striking groupings or as a lovely interior plant.
How often should I switch soil for my Dracaena Marginata?
You should only need to repot dragon trees every few years because they prefer to be little rootbound. Add additives or replace the soil as needed if the soil needs to drain better or the pH level has to be raised.
Can I use cactus soil for Dracaena Marginata?
Despite loving well-draining soil and being drought-tolerant, D. marginata requires more moisture and nutrients than typical cactus soils can offer. To increase moisture and nutrient retention, pick a soil blend designed for indoor plants or add peat moss to cactus soil.
Does Dracaena require soil to grow?
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), despite its name, isn’t really a bamboo plant at all. It is actually a lovely houseplant that is almost indestructible. Despite the fact that these plants can flourish in soil, most gardeners prefer to grow them hydroponically. To keep the plants standing straight, all you need is a glass of water that is at least an inch deep and a support system made of pebbles (or another material). Available on Amazon; 38 stalks cost $12.99.
How frequently do I need to water my Dracaena?
PRO TIP: If you’re unsure, let it rain! Overwatering is the most frequent error with these plants.
Always evaluate your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get one. It is important to check the soil’s moisture content first to make sure it isn’t wet directly under the surface before giving your plant a drink. Additionally, think about aerating your plant’s soil before to the first watering. Aerating can help the soil breathe and enable rainwater to escape since we compact the soil to prevent it from shifting while being transported.
Dracaena trees prefer the soil to be moist but not fully dry between waterings. Usually, watering once every 10 to 14 days will keep the soil’s moisture content good and even. The soil should never be wet as this plant is susceptible to root rot; yet, if the earth becomes completely dry, the plant’s leaves will have brown tips. The Dracaena Lisa Cane will respond favorably to routine waterings after you establish a routine. The Dracaena also enjoys moisture, so a humidifier, pebble tray, or routine misting will be appreciated.
To maintain balanced growth on all sides, rotate your plant occasionally, and dust the leaves frequently to help the plant photosynthesize well. Take the chance to check the undersides of the leaves when dusting them and keep an eye out for bugs.
Keep in mind that every plant is a distinct living creature with different demands depending on where it is. You can have a long and fulfilling relationship with your dracaena lisa cane if you pay attention to its health and watering requirements.