A place that is entirely yours.
Yours todesign, yours to adorn, and yours to map.
And speaking of houseplants, how can we not talk about dracaena?
Its the perfect choice for a green and beautiful home.
By the end of this article, you will understand why.
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So, get ready to learn everything about the delightful dracaena!
What is a Dracaena Plant?
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A dracaena plant is a common houseplant with a woody, upright trunk and long, lance-shaped leaves.
We bet youve seen it before.
The name doesnt ring a bell, still?
Yes, thats the oneour famousindoor plant, dracaena!
Dracaena (pronounced as dra-see-na) has its roots in ancient Greek mythology.
It derived its name from the Greek worddrakaina, which translates to female dragon.
Lore has it that its red stems were similar to dragons blood.
Fascinating, isnt it?
Dracaena has some fantastic perks.
Its the perfect companion for lonely nooks!
Dracaena Basics
Scientific Name of Dracena:Dracaenaspp.
Plant throw in:Its a shrub of theAsparagaceaefamily, mainly grown as a houseplant.
Size:Mature dracaena can grow up to 25 feet tall with a width of up to 18 feet.
Ensure you dont let yourdear petswander and consume it by mistake.
Take all the safety measures and place this houseplant where your pets cant reach it.
Where to Plant Dracaena
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Since theyre popular houseplants, its no surprise that dracaena plants thrive in a cozy, warm location.
A few varieties can survive even inlow-lightconditions.
Theres your solution to glam up yourbathroom!
Avoid keeping them directly under the sultry sun to prevent foliage burn, though.
If you want to plant an outdoor dracaena variety, choose a spot that isnt in direct light.
Outdoor types can survive in hardiness zones 10 to 12USDA.
Theyre winter hardy and grow taller and wider than the houseplants.
How to Propagate Dracaena
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Propagating dracaenas can be done through stem cuttings.
Its best done in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
To cut stems, use sterilized or sanitized pruners and ensure that the cutting has some leaf nodes.
Then, immerse the bottom of the stems in a rooting hormone.
Lastly, choose a growing environment and follow the corresponding steps.
Propagating in Soil
1.
Take a small pot and fill it with moistened potting mix.
The pot should have a drainage hole.
Plant the stem in this pot.
Place this pot in a cozy spot that gets bright, indirect sunlight.
Water it daily and keep it moist.
After around three weeks, youll notice the sprouting of the leaves.
Its a sign that the plant can be repotted to a different container.
Propagating in Water
1.
Fill a glass container with clean water.
Suspend the stem cuttings inside it, but dont submerge the leaves.
Place this container in a warm spot that gets bright, indirect sunlight.
Change the water every other day, and soon, youll notice the root growth.
verify you start the process during early spring.
Before planting, soak the seeds in water for at least three days.
This can enhance germination.
Take a small pot.
Ensure it has a drainage hole and fill it with a good seed starter mix.
Moisten the mix and sprinkle the surface with the seeds.
In about four to six weeks, the seeds will sprout.
Once that happens, remove the plastic and repot them to a different container.
How to Care for Dracaena
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With proper love and care, almost anything can thrive.
But if your days are packed to the brim, then dracaena is your go-to plant.
It can survive with some basic care and act as the perfect accessory for your space.
But it might burn the foliage.
So, locate this sun-shy dracaena in a spot with bright or filtered indirect sunlight.
It can even survive in low to medium light, but brightly lit places result in the best outcome.
This plant loves it when the soil has good drainage and is moist and rich.
Water the slightly acidic soil properly each week for a healthy plant.
During winter, water it once every two weeks.
Proper watering is necessary as underwatering might turn the leaves brown while overwatering will kill the plant.
But if the temperature drops below 50, the dracaena houseplants will react adversely.
They are also big humidity fans, so dont place them near drafty windows.
Fertilizer Requirements
Dracaenas arent too demanding when it comes to fertilizer.
Feeding them once a month with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer is sufficient.
you might halt fertilizing during winter when the plants growth slows down.
Tip: Try thisProfessional Dracaena Fertilizerby Leaves and Soul for a healthy and thriving plant!
you’ve got the option to trim the top with sanitized pruners when the plant exceeds this height.
When the new growth occurs, itll give a robust look to the plant.
Potting & Repotting
With time, fertilizers and salts from water might build up in the pot.
This can damage the plant, turning its leaves brown and leading to eventual death.
To prevent this, flush the soil daily with water until a clear stream flows from the bottom.
Still, the best way to resolve this would be to repot the plant every few years.
The new container can be of the same size or slightly bigger.
Moreover, fresh soil will give a significant boost to the plant.
Pests & Diseases
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Pests and diseases simply love houseplants due to their cozy environment.
To avoid built-ups, use distilled water and flush the plant with clean water once a month.
Regular misting or a humidifier should help maintain proper humidity levels.
Lastly, avoid direct sunlight.
If the dracaenaleaves turn yellow, it could be due to overwatering or poor drainage.
To help your plant in its dire need, avoid overwatering.
Remember, the soil has to be moist, not soaked.
If it does happen, repot dracaena to a different container with good drainage, coupled with well-draining soil.
Do it right and keep your plant healthy and happy.
Dracaena Types
With over 150 species ofDracaena, just a few are grown as houseplants.
Dracaena fragranshas many varieties.
The common name corn plant likely originated from its resemblance to the shape and structure of a cornstalk.
TheDracaena fragranshas a striking gold band at the center of its leaves.
It has a thick stem from which the leaves burst out like a fountain.
The pretty hues and the charming structure make it a must-have houseplant.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
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The many cultivars ofDracaena marginatamake beloved companions to your homes.
Madagascar Dragon and Tricolor are two varieties you’re able to consider.
They both have thin, grassy leaves that create a colorful fountain.
marginataMadagascar Dragon has dark green leaves bordered with maroon,D.
marginataTricolor has enchanting leaves with forest green inside golden straps, all cocooned with red stripes.
Tip: GetMadagascar Dragon Plantfrom Costa Farms and let it prettify your casa!
The common names song of India, song of Jamaica, and Anita all refer to the stunningDracaena reflexaplants.
Conversely, Anita is usually a small, joyful dracaena plant with grassy, densely clustered, narrow leaves.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
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Commonly called lucky bamboo, gorgeousDracaena sanderianawill surely spice up your green game.
Tip: Get this amazingLucky Bambooby Costa Farms with a 47% discount!
Dracaena trifasciata,or snake plant, has more quirky names like bowstring hemp or mother-in-laws tongue!
Its a charming little plant thats easy to grow, with leaves shaped like swords.
Imagine how quickly it will elevate your space with its distinct appeal!
Tip: ThisSnake Plantby Costa Farms comes with 19% off!
Let it grace your house with its remarkable presence!
This tropical, ornamental shrub is commonly called the narrow-leaf dragon tree.
It features long, glossy leaves with a rich green color.
It is a small, slender houseplant that immediately grabs attention.
Let it cozily nestle on the table and give your barehome officea green touch.
Dracaena deremensis
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you’re free to either grow one or try them all together for a colorful treat!
Dracaena: the Delightful Dragoness!
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FAQs About Dracaena
Is Dracaena a Good Indoor Plant?
A dracaena can thrive with minimal care and instantly beautify your house with its lush presence.
So, yes, its not just good but an excellent indoor plant.
Does Dracaena Like Full Sun or Shade?
Dracaena likes partial sunlight.
Some varieties can survive in full sun for a short period.
However, keeping them in a bright spot with indirect sunlight is recommended to avoid foliage burn.
What Are the Cons of Dracaena?
Although it is one of the most popular houseplants, dracaena has a few downsides.
The following are the cons of dracaena:
Can You Plant Dracaena in the Ground?
Yes, it’s possible for you to plant dracaena in the ground.
But know the species you are growing and the zone you are in.
If your house is in zones 10 to 12, you might definitely plant them in the ground.
But in other zones that experience occasional frost, protecting dracaena with some covering is crucial.
Otherwise, they wont be able to survive.
