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Ribbon Plant Dracaena sanderiana

Other plants called Ribbon Plant:

Previously known as:

  • Dracaena braunii
  • Pleomele braunii
  • Pleomele sanderiana
Phonetic Spelling
dra-SEE-nah san-der-ree-AY-na
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This Dracaena resembles bamboo but is not a true bamboo at all. It is grown as a houseplant outside of the tropical zone. It performs well in containers with partial shade outdoors or bright but indirect light indoors.   It requires moist soil or it can be grown in chlorine-free water. Change the water weekly and provide a weak liquid fertilizer.  Putting some pebbles in the bottom gives a place for the roots to grow. 

The bright green strappy leaves are widely spaced along the upright stems, giving the plant an open, airy appearance. The stems are often trained into a variety of shapes and it is popular with Feng Shui. Rarely blooms as a houseplant.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect pests or diseases. Monitor for mealybugs and scale insects. Overwatering can cause yellowing of the leaves and rotting of the stems.  Low humidity can cause browning of the leaf tips.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silver Ribbon'
    slightly twisted leaves with variegated green stripes
  • 'White Stripe'
    deep green foliage with creamy white edging
'Silver Ribbon', 'White Stripe'
Tags:
#houseplant#shade garden#interiorscape#bamboo#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical feel#container plant#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Silver Ribbon'
    slightly twisted leaves with variegated green stripes
  • 'White Stripe'
    deep green foliage with creamy white edging
'Silver Ribbon', 'White Stripe'
Tags:
#houseplant#shade garden#interiorscape#bamboo#problem for cats#problem for dogs#tropical feel#container plant#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dracaena
    Species:
    sanderana
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    West Central Tropical Africa to North East Angola
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Description:
    Small white flowers in clusters. Rarely blooms as a house plant.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Bright green to gray-green strappy leaves are widely spaced along the upright stems
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Thick green fleshy stem resembling bamboo.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats).
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No