April 1, 2021
Tropical Houseplant Profile: Dracaena Family
Did you know that there are over 100 different varieties within in the Dracaena family? Or that their name originates from the Greek for ‘dragon’? They are one of the most popular species of tropical houseplants we carry, not only because of their wide range of varieties but because they are some of the easiest houseplants to care for! They can handle any light condition, especially indirect/filtered light locations (too much bright, direct sunlight can cause leaf burn). Plus, they’re some of the best Clean Air houseplants around, which means fresh air for all your indoor spaces! The only place a Dracaena may not thrive is inside a closet, and even then they might find a way to do it.
Here are some of our favourites. All varieties may not be available at all times as our selection changes constantly and quickly:
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragans ‘Massangeana’)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
A stunning, upright grower that has been popular with houseplant enthusiasts for over 200 years! The slow growing, thick and woody canes (stems) are topped with rosettes of long, arching green foliage with a lemon-lime central stripe or “heart”. Easy to clean: simply remove older, lower leaves by gently pulling/twisting them from the main cane. Take care not to damage new leaves that emerge from the crown. Perfect for adding height and drama to a room, especially corners and tight spaces.
Anita (Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
This beautiful upright grower has long, arching, narrow green foliage, giving the plant a graceful, almost grassy appearance. The older, lower leaves will discolour and fall off (or you can gently pull them from the main stem) producing a slim, tree-like trunk effect. Take care not to damage new leaves that emerge from the upper crown. Great for adding height and texture to homes and offices.
Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
Lush and full! Wide, glossy green foliage emerges from a central rosette. Also available in the dwarf variety ‘Compacta’. This beauty is a fantastic Clean Air plant, with its wide leaves offering a larger surface area for cleaning the air in your home. To clean, just gently pull or twist the older lower leaves as they yellow or discolour, taking extra care not to damage the upper crown. Great for adding texture and drama to homes and offices.
Marginata (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
One of the most popular Dracaena members! This classic houseplant features a tall, slim “trunk” topped with a delicate rosette of long, narrow foliage in shades of lush green, often with central stripes of golden yellow. Other varieties can be variegated with shades of cream and even pink! Its slow growth and clean air qualities make it a perfect addition to any home. Clean up older, lower leaves by gently pulling them away from the trunk; avoid any damage to new growth emerging from the crown. Adds height, colour, and texture to any space!
Warneckii (Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
Similar to the Janet Craig but on a larger scale! The long, wide, glossy foliage emerges from the central rosette and can range from lush grey-green to bicoloured with bright chartreuse and golden yellow. The large leaves are perfect for cleaning the air of any room and home. Keep your Warneckii looking gorgeous by gently pulling/twisting the older, lower foliage as it yellows or discolours, making sure to avoid any damage to the growing crown. Adds instant drama and texture to your living spaces!
Song of India (Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’)
Light: Low, Medium, or Bright; Direct or Indirect
Water: Let Dry Well between Deep Waterings
Fertilizer: All-Purpose Fertilizer every other month
Cute and bushy! Dazzling green and creamy yellow foliage bursts from a central stalk, giving this beauty a graceful, arching appearance. Cleaning a Song of India is incredibly simple; gently pull or twist the older lower leaves from the stalk as they discolour. Make sure the upper crown stays intact. Perfect for adding a touch of drama to tables, desks, counters, and shelves!
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