Dracaena

Agavaceae

 

Native to tropical Africa... they come in a wide variety and are extremely popular... they are fairly easy to care for plants and they love humidity

Moisture - allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings... add humidity by using a pebble tray to prevent the tips of the leaves from browning

Light - low to medium light

Temperature - average temps are best...

Fertilize - 3 only once a year will unless you are trying to force growth ... use a 10-10-10 solution

Pests - mealybugs and spider mites may be a problem...

Repotting - only as needed to give the roots more room... some varieties grow faster than others

Propagation - air layering or stem cutting

Tips - prune only for grooming

 

TYPES:::

Song of India (Dracaena reflexa or pleomele) - you may need to support the stems of this plant as it can become so heavy from the leaves .... most common variety is "Variegata" ... which has yellow-edged leaves... it needs medium light to keep it's variegation

 

Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis) this is the smallest type for dracaena... althought it will grow to 4 feet tall... it has dark, glossy leaves that are held close to the stems...

 

Madagascar dragontree (dracaena marginata) - this plant has slender stems... with long slender leaves... it can grow to 8 feet tall... it usually looses it's lower leaves as it grows... a nice addition to any home

 

Mass Cane (Dracaena fragrans) - this is the most commonly available dracaena... it has cane stems with long slender leaves... it is sometimes called a corn plant...

 

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