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Queen of Dracaenas Dracaena goldieana

Previously known as:

  • Pleomele goldieana
Phonetic Spelling
dra-SEE-nah gol-dee-AH-nah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Queen of dracaenas is a semi-woody perennial from tropical West Africa. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The species epithet honors J. Goldie, Esq., a Scottish grower and collector of exotic plants. It is grown for its ornamental foliage and fragrant white flowers.

This plant prefers bright, indirect light, and moist, well-drained potting mix. Water the plant when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Tap water with salt, chlorine, or fluoride can damage this plant. Consider using filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has been allowed to stand for 24 hours in an open container. The plant will thrive in consistently warm temperatures around 75 degrees. It also requires moderate to high humidity. Queen of Dracaenas is tropical to subtropical and is hardy in USDA Zones 10-12. It does not tolerate frost or cold drafts. The plant is propagated by stem cuttings.   

This plant has an upright, compact habit. It may grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall indoors, and up to 13 feet in its native habitat. The plant usually has a single stem, but as it matures it may branch. Its most distinctive feature is zebra-like patterned leaves. They are broadly ovate with acuminate tips, and entire margins. They are glossy, deep green with variegations of silver or light green horizontal stripes. The flowers are small, fragrant, and white and appear in dense, ball-shaped clusters.

The Queen of dracaenas may not be as commonly found in trade as other dracaenas, but it has attractive ornamental foliage that is strikingly beautiful as an indoor houseplant. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs and spider mites. Overwatering can result in root rot. This plant is intolerant of tap water containing salt, chlorine, or fluoride. The leaves will scorch when placed in full sun.

More information on Dracaena.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting leaves#herbaceous perennial#variegated#humidity tolerant#tropical shrub#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#houseplant#drought tolerant#interesting leaves#herbaceous perennial#variegated#humidity tolerant#tropical shrub#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#container plant#poisonous if ingested#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dracaena
    Species:
    goldieana
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Nigeria to West Central Tropical Africa
    Distribution:
    Native: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria and Zaire. Introduced: Trinidad-Tobago
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flowers are small, fragrant, and white and appear in dense globose (ball-shaped) clusters that are 2 inches in diameter.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Variegated
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves are broadly ovate, acuminate, rounded base, up to 6 to 9 inches long, and 3 to 5 inches wide. They are bright green with variegations of silvery gray to light green horizontal stripes or bands.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stem simple and woody.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Humidity
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    If ingested by pets, symptoms include weakness, drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach irritation, diarrhea, depression, increases salivation, and ataxia. Cats may have dilated pupils. Some types of dracaena can be toxic to humans also. If ingested, mouth and throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin irritation can occur when handling some species of this plant.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    saponin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems