In subtropical climes, the dracaena plant is a common attractive houseplant that may be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. It has a bushy tree-like appearance and grows to a height of around three feet indoors. Its lustrous leaves have a maximum length of one foot and a maximum width of a few inches.
The genus dracaena belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), and it has roughly 40 species. The yellow edged variegata variety known as Song of India is the most often used cultivar. It’s fascinating to note that dracaena has a secondary thickening meristem (the tissue which helps plants grow). It may develop broad, substantial, and succulent roots thanks to its secondary meristem.
In addition to creating a stunning focal point in any space with its spectacular leaves and lovely color patterns, dracaena also helps to purify the air. Regularly wiping the leaves’ upper and lower surfaces with a damp cloth allows the plant to freely exchange air.
Is Dracena a healthy houseplant?
Dracaena reflexa, sometimes referred to as song of India or pleomele, is the most popular dracaena species. Its leaves are its main draw as one of the most attractive indoor plants. The yellow stripes on these houseplant’s slender, pointed leaves are impossible to miss. This flexible houseplant does well both indoors and in a slightly shaded outside space, such as a patio.
Dracaena marginata, also known as the red-edge dracaena or Madagascar dragon tree, is an evergreen tree that, given the right conditions, may reach heights of eight to fifteen feet and widths of three to eight feet. It features narrow, curved stalks for trunks and stiff, purplish-red leaves. It is frequently grown inside because it cannot survive low light and is not frost resistant. They are among the more forgiving dracaena plants and can withstand drought, making them great houseplants.
Massangean Dracaena
Mass cane or corn plant, also known as Dracaena fragrans massangeana or Dracaena massangeana, is a popular indoor plant. It is the most affordable variety of dracaena and is reasonably priced when compared to other indoor plants. Mass cane is distinguished by its long, strap-like leaves and thick, woody canes. It can tolerate low light levels, while moderate natural lighting is preferred. Because Dracaena massangeana grows slowly, it can occupy a place for a long period without needing much upkeep.
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.
How is a dracaena plant cared for?
Medium indirect sunlight is preferred by your dracaena colorama. The leaves may burn if there is too much direct light. It is not getting enough light when the leaves are pale, the growth is slow, and the new leaves are little.
When the top 50 to 75 percent of the soil is dry, water. Pour water into the pot until it begins to drain through the drainage hole at the bottom, then drain any excess water into the saucer.
Your Dracaena Colorama will thrive in situations with average humidity levels but will benefit from routine misting.
The ideal temperature range for your dracaena’s habitat is between 65 and 80 degrees. Make sure it doesn’t get colder than 60 degrees.
In the spring and summer, this plant prefers to be fed every two weeks with a well-balanced plant food that is applied at half the suggested dosage. During the winter, when plant development naturally slows, no nourishment is required. Before adding any fertilizer, always make sure the soil is moist.
Pets and people alike should avoid eating Dracaena Colorama leaves. Usually, eating will make you feel sick to your stomach and mouth, and you might even vomit.
Your Dracaena Colorama will have brown or yellow borders on its leaves if there is too much fluoride in the tap water. If you don’t have a filter system, you can reduce certain fluorides by letting tap water sit in an open container before using it for irrigation, or you can utilize rainwater.
By trimming the top of the plant to the proper height as it starts to overrun its container, you may control the height. For a while, the tall, bare cane seems strange, but after a few weeks, fresh branches start to show as the foliage starts to recover.
Dracaenas require sunlight?
The smooth, gray stems of the Dracaena marginata eventually reach a height of 20 feet. Crowns of slender, leathery leaves up to 2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide form the ends of stems. Deep glossy green leaves with a reddish crimson border. Dracaena is a fantastic houseplant for rooms with low lighting, and it looks particularly good when planted in pairs to flank doorways.
Dracaena prefers bright, indirect light for growing; it may survive lower light levels, but development will be slowed. With typical indoor potting soil, typical house temperatures, and ordinary humidity levels, the plant thrives nicely. Maintain a wet but not soggy soil by fertilizing frequently with a complete fertilizer in the spring and summer (like a squeezed-out sponge). Reduce your watering frequency and discontinue fertilizing during the fall and winter. Regularly clean leaves with a wet cloth or relocate your plant so it can receive a moderate shower to keep Dracaena healthy and looking its best. Avoid using commercial leaf shine. Simply use a pair of scissors to remove any brown tips that appear on your plant, being careful to preserve the natural form of the trimmed leaves. Dracaena is rarely troubled by pests or diseases and can endure a pot-bound environment for extended periods of time.
Is dracaena a cleanser of the air?
The Dragon Tree is one of many Dracaena family plants that are renowned for their ability to purify the air. This plant, which is lean and tall, not only draws attention, but it also works wonderfully to get rid of toxins like formaldehyde and xylene, which are present in commonplace things like hairspray and furniture varnish.
What is the lifespan of dracona plants?
Ideal temperatures range from 60F (15C) to 75F (24C). The plant will suffer from temperatures below 55F/12C, which may be apparent if the leaves start to curl. Avoid placing the plant close to cold drafts as they will hurt it as well.
Light:
For this dracaena, a nice balance of sun and shade is excellent, but not much direct sunshine. Although it develops more quickly and effectively in bright light, it can also live and thrive adequately in low light.
Watering:
I would suggest that a gardener keep the soil just barely moist to the touch and, throughout the winter, just barely dry.
Soil:
Fertilizer:
Use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every two to three weeks while it is growing from April to September.
Re-Potting:
I would advise repotting every two to three years and using a pot that is one size larger if it is getting severely pot constrained. A little pot bound is acceptable.
Humidity:
Propagation:
These can be easily multiplied from stem tip cuttings; spring or summer are the optimum times to accomplish this. Additionally, you can cut a fresh or aged rosette and replant it. Keep the soil moist after replanting and spray the foliage to promote plant growth. The air layering technique can be used to reproduce a tall plant.
Pruning:
The lower leaves on this plant eventually turn yellow, which is normal because they only have a two- to three-year lifespan in the first place. When the lowest leaves start to turn yellow, remove them. When a cane (stem) has grown to the desired height, you can also cut off the top and replant the cutting.
My Dracaena may I put outside?
The reason dracaena types are among the most well-liked indoor plants is that they have magnificent leaves, available in a wide range of sizes and colors, and are hard to kill. Planting your dracaena outside in an unsuitable climate is one surefire method to kill it. A tropical plant that cannot withstand frost is the dracaena.
However, if you reside in zone 9, 10, or 11, go for it. When there is no frost, dracaena grows well outside. In the winter, Zone 9 can be a little dangerous. If you live somewhere that occasionally experiences frost, be ready to cover your outdoor dracaena plants.
Are humans poisoned by dracaena?
The Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata), despite its name conjuring up ideas of ferocity, is essentially a delicate perennial distinguished by slender, bending stalks and ribbon-like green leaves accentuated with scarlet or purple. The Dracaena genus is classified as harmless to people by the Universities of Connecticut and Nebraska, making it typically safe to cultivate around kids.
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.
In the summer, can I leave my dracaena outside?
For at least a portion of the year, the majority of individuals should be able to transfer their Dracaena houseplants outside. In comparison to typical indoor conditions, putting your Dracaenas outside in the summer can revitalize them by offering more sunlight over a longer length of time and greater humidity. For tropical plants like Dracaenas, dry indoor air from air conditioners and heaters is not optimal.
Moving your plants outside for the summer may have the drawback of exposing them to excessive sunlight, which could result in the plant equivalent of a sunburn. Even in the shade, it is much brighter outside than indoors. Place the plant away from direct sunlight to lessen the possibility of damage. A porch that is covered is an excellent choice.
If moving your Dracaena into a sunny place is your ultimate goal, you can do so gradually over a few weeks. Keep an eye out for any color changes in the leaves. You’ll probably see significantly faster growth than typical while the plant is outdoors once it has adapted to the greater light levels.
Move your Dracaena back to the shade and take off any scorched leaves if you moved too rapidly and gave it a sunburn. In the highest leaves that receive the most direct sunlight, sunburn causes leaves to become pale or even white. Sunburned leaves should be removed because they can never regain their natural color and will most likely wither away anyhow.
Moving your Dracaenas outside also requires keeping in mind that some varieties might be top-heavy. They can typically be cultivated in a relatively small pot and have shallow root systems. However, other kinds have all of their foliage at the top and some can grow extremely tall. That implies that if you set them outside, they might be vulnerable to blowing over. When choosing the venue, keep this in mind and steer clear of areas that are particularly windy.
Dracaena leaves can potentially be harmed by wind. While some species have more delicate foliage, others have strong, thick leaves that can resist a lot. Outside, all plants are more vulnerable to harm, so if you cherish your plants’ pristine leaves, you might not want to place them there.
Prior to the nights becoming too chilly, be sure to remember to bring the plant inside once more. When transitioning from the sun to the shade, there is no need to proceed gradually.
It is a good idea to inspect your plants for pests before bringing them inside for the fall and winter. Avoid bringing inside hitchhikers that might infest your other plants.
Moving your Dracaena houseplants outside during the summer has both benefits and drawbacks. You’ll need to put in a little extra work, and there are certain hazards. But generally speaking, dracaenas will prosper in summertime outside conditions.
Should I trim my dracaena’s brown tips?
You have complete discretion over whether to remove the brown tips from your dracaena plant. The worthless tips of these hideous Dracaena leaves are equally as ugly. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors, you may remove brown tips, which are dead plant debris. Take care because doing so could result in uneven and visually unpleasant leaf ends on your Dracaena.
When cutting out brown tips, be careful not to cut into healthy leaf tissue. To prevent overcutting the leaf, which can cause further browning of the leaf, it is better to leave a tiny margin of the brown leaf next to the healthy leaf tissue.
How large can a dracaena grow?
The height of dracaenas varies from 2 to 10 feet depending on the cultivar. If desired, these plants can be kept at a lower height with ease. Typically, upright types won’t be wider than 2 feet.