Gold Dust Dracaena Dracaena surculosa

Gold dust dracena is a slow-growing evergreen typically grown as a house plant in the Asparagaceae (asparagus) family.  It is native to western tropical Africa and is known for its stunning variegated foliage and tropical look. The genus name Dracaena comes from the Greek word for dragon, and the species name surculosa is Latin for shooting

Thin upright branches, which occasionally hang down, produce leaves that are dark green with spots of cream or yellow. New leaves appear as tightly rolled cones.  It may be propagated using a tip or stem cutting of a few leaves or by division.  

This easy to grow houseplant requires bright but not direct light.  The leaves will brown or drop if the light is too high and they can lose their intense coloring if the light is too low. Keep the soil moist during the regular growing season but overwatering and standing water will cause root rot.  Protect the plant from drafts and keep the humidity high humidity with misting or sitting on a pebble tray with water. Cut back overgrown stems in the winter to rejuvenate growth and to keep the plant at the desired height. Do not plant in a pot that is too large as its roots like to be snug.  

In areas that remain above 50 degrees F in the winter gold dust dracena can be grown outdoors in a container, planted on a patio.  The spots of yellow add brightness and interest to any interiorscape. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Root mealybugs can stunt growth.