Dracaena sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Dracaena sp. (Dracaena) is a popular houseplant that is grown for its ornamental foliage. It is a large shrub that can grow up to 5-10 ft tall or a small shrub that grows 2-5 ft tall. It thrives in full sun, shade, or semi-shade and requires moderate watering. It is cold hardy down to 30s F for a short time and is also tolerant of seaside and salt conditions. It can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-11.

Dracaenas are easy to care for and have a tropical appearance. They can tolerate low light conditions and are often used in both homes and offices. The cultivars have colorful striped foliage and most grow best in bright, indirect light. However, many can also tolerate lower light levels. If a plant that has been growing in dim light is moved to a brighter spot, the new leaves will be thicker and stronger and the growth rate will increase. When watering, allow the soil surface to dry to the touch before thoroughly watering the plant. Avoid using cold water and try to keep the humidity high by occasionally misting the foliage. Use a standard commercial houseplant potting mix and fertilize with liquid foliage plant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer months. Alternatively, time release fertilizer pellets can be used. If the plant's stems become too long and bare, cut them off at the desired height and new leaves will soon appear.

Dracaenas are generally resistant to plant diseases, but may be affected by too much or too little water, insects, and mites. Root rot can occur if the soil mix does not drain quickly or if the plant is overwatered. Scale insects and mites are the most common insect pests. Dry tips and edges may be caused by low humidity, while round dry patches and streaks on the leaves may be caused by excessive sunlight. Sudden loss of many leaves can be caused by temperature changes, drafts, too much water, poor drainage, or heavy insect infestations. Leaf tips and margins may burn or turn yellow if the plant is fertilized too heavily.

Similar plants:

• Dracaena angolensis, Sansevieria cylindrica, Sansevieria stuckyi (Snake Plant)
• Dracaena cinnabari (Socotra Dragon Tree, Dragon Blood Tree)
• Dracaena compacta (Dracaena Janet Craig)
• Dracaena draco (Dragon Tree )
• Dracaena fragrans (Corn plant)
• Dracaena goldieana (Queen of Dracaenas, Green Zebra Plant)
• Dracaena marginata (Madagascar Dragon Tree, Colorama, Money Tree)
• Dracaena reflexa (Song of India)
• Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo, Curly Bamboo, Chinese Water Bamboo)
• Dracaena surculosa, Dracaena godseffiana (Golddust Dracaena, Spoted-Leaf Dracaena, Japanese Bamboo, Gold Dust Plant)