The Dracaena plant is one of the most famous and popular plants used by home motivators to make houses look more attractive as well as being one of the most helpful plants at home due to its look and the ability to purify the air as well as the easy way of taking care of it.
This plant hails from Africa, Asia, and Central America and enjoys being at the centre of attention of every indoors plant lover because it easily grows under a wide range of environmental stress factors.
This plant has high and crescent like structure on the leaves and the plant which has the erect growth habit and this plant often used as an ornamental plant and also the functional plant too.
This article contains all the information you may need about the Dracaena plant.
Overview of Dracaena Plant
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Dracaena spp.
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Common Names: Dragon tree, Corn plant, Lucky bamboo-Which is technically not a bamboo.
Appearance
The Dracaena plant has green, yellow, cream, red, and even purple leaves depending on the type of Dracaena plant that you have. Leaves are arranged in a rosette or on tall and slender petiole; they are strap-shaped, longitudinally channeled and usually striated or mottled. Some of them resemble shrubs and small trees while others are prostate and grow,much like bushes.
Size
The spread and height of Dracaena plants can vary due to the type of plants owned on average. This type of plant can grow to be quite tall; Dracaena marginata, for example, can be up to 15 feet tall when put in a proper environment while compacta is under 2 feet tall.
Temperature and Growing Zones
Dracaena plant should be grown in warm temperatures and is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates, much of which can be grown in U.S.D.A hardiness zones, 10 – 12. It can weather it between 60F and 80 F but will not stand freezing conditions at all. It thrives well indoors and can do well at any average temperature found around the households.
Soil pH and Requirements
The growth of the Dracaena plant requires slightly acidic to a neutral soil pH of between 6.0-6.5. As to the environmental conditions this plant grows best in well drained, loamy soil that has been enriched with organic matter.
Species of Dracaena
There are over 120 species of Dracaena plant, but some of the most popular varieties include:
Dracaena marginata in the broad team however is a very easy to grow plant and it is also called Dragon Tree.
The last large plant species is Dracaena fragrans also well known as Corn Plant.This is lucky bamboo also scientifically referred to as Dracaena sanderiana is known as Song of India scientifically it is called as Dracaena reflexa.
How to Grow Dracaena
Where to Grow
Many Dracaena plants can be grown either in houses and offices or in yards depending on the climate conditions in the area. They are light tolerant plants and grow well under bright, indirect light at colleges, homes especially in the living room, office and bedroom. In the outdoors they can be located in the low light or partial sun exposure, which is applicable if the climate is warm throughout the year.
When to Grow
The ideal time of placing or reproducing Dracaena plant is early spring or, at the latest, summer because the plant is thriving during this period. During this period for the plant it is given enough energy to grow and come up with a good root system.
How to Grow
Propagation of the Dracaena plant can be carried out from stem cuttings or through air layering as well as through the division of the offsets. For cuttings, take an economical stem and put it in water or in compost until it is ready to propagate. For air layering, make an injury to a stem, cover it with the moist sphagnum moss and cover it with the plastic foil until roots appear.
Care Tips for Dracaena
1. Watering
Dracaena plant has moderate watering and should not be over-watered. Water the plant only after the first 1-2 inches of the soil have dried. Water obtained from a tap should be filtered or distilled as it contains fluoride that leads to browning of tips. Reduce the amount of water given in winter since it is a dormant season of the plant’s developmental cycle.
2. Soil
Water drainage is crucial in order to avoid root rot. Good choices for potting are soils mixed with perlite and peat moss, or a combination of soil, perlite and peat. Clay like soil or those that become waterlogged should be avoided.
3. Temperature
The best recommendation is that the Dracaena plant should be grown under temperatures of 60°F- 80°F. It is cold sensitive and should not be exposed to temperature below 50° F. It cannot be exposed to cold drafts. Keep it out of draughts from windows or doors that allow cold air into the room.
4. Humidity
Dracaena plant requires an average humidity and, in increased humidity, will thank for it. It is necessary to mist leaves sometimes or put a dish with water near as in winter or in heated rooms the air is very dry.
5. Fertilizing
For the best result, periodic feeding with a liquid fertilizer is suggested at half strength every 4-6 weeks while the Dracaena plant is in the growing period. Do not apply excessive quantities of fertilizer on to the plants as this results in salting of the soil. Avoid providing food in the autumn and winter.
6. Sowing and Propagation
There are three ways through which propagation can be carried, these include through stem cuttings, through air layering as well as through planting of pups. Plant the cutting or pup in a good drainage soil and keep it in a warm moist place until it grows roots.
Companion Plants for Dracaena
Its coordination makes the Dracaena plant suitable for the company of other easy-care indoor plants that require similar conditions for their growth and development. Some ideal companions include:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.): Light: Both plants grow well in low light conditions and Watering: They are best watered less frequently.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The trailing growth of pothos fits nicely with the more vertical form of Dracaena.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Basically, they prefer the same type of humidity and temperature.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Another creeper that grows well in low light conditions and needs little attention.
Diseases and Solutions
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Bacterial and fungal disease which leads to appearance of brown or yellow spots on leaves.
- Solution: prune off the destroyed foliage and provide adequate ventilation.
Root Rot: This happens where soil is waterlogged or where you have watered your plant excessively.
- Solution: Transplant your plant to a fresh, well draining mix and water it less often.
Pests and Their Control
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Insect that forms a small web usually in the plant and sucks the sap on the outer side of the leaf.
- Control: Neem oil or insecticides such as ‘insecticidal soap’ must be applied to the plant.
Mealybugs: Small, white, cotton ant like insects that may be found on stems and leaves of plants.
- Control: Using alcohol soaked cotton tips for applying neem oil is also recommended.
Conclusion
Not only do Dracaena plants enhance the beauty of your surroundings, but they are hardy and require little to no attention, which explains why people with or without greener thumbs love them. Due to size, color, and form, they can fit any internal or external surrounding.
It is quite simple: if you water, light, and feed your Dracaena plant correctly, you will have a sophisticated piece of greenery that cleans the air and makes your home atmosphere nicer. The Dracaena is highly effective as a single plant or can be planted together with other plants – either way, you’ll find liveliness in your house or backyard.
Read more: The Agave Plant: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring
