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Dracaena

Previously known as:

  • Chrysodracon
  • Pleomele
  • Sansevieria
Phonetic Spelling
dra-SEE-nah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Dracaena is a genus of 198 species of plants that include tropical herbaceous or woody perennials and broadleaf evergreen shrubs and trees and is in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). These plants are native to the Tropics and Subtropics of Africa, Australia, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. The genus name is derived from the Greek word drakaina meaning a "female dragon." Several species of this plant are cultivated as houseplants due to their ornamental foliage. 

The plants of this genus prefer bright, indirect sunlight, and moist, well-drained potting mix with a slightly acidic pH. It is best to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between watering. These plants are sensitive to tap water that contains salts, chlorine, and fluoride and can cause browning of the leaf tips. Filtered water or rain water may help prevent this problem. They will thrive in warm temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and in moderate to high humidity. These plants are hardy in zones 10 to 12 and need to be protected from frost. Dracaenas can be propagated by stem cuttings or rhizome division. Some species (those that were formerly classified as Sansevieria) can be propagated from leaf cuttings, although the resulting offspring might differ from the parent plant because of the chimeral nature of their leaf variegation.

Members of this genus have varying growth habits. They may be single erect stems, cane-like main stems, or branching  stems. Some species have spear-shaped or grass-shaped leaves that are arranged in a rosette. The plant size also varies depending on the species. When grown indoors they may range from 2 feet to 10 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, and they can be much larger outdoors in their native habitats. The leaf color can be solid, variegated or striped in shades of green, red, yellow, or white. Indoor plants typically do not produce flowers or fruits. The flowers are small and fragrant with white or yellow blooms. The fruits produced are in the form of berries.

If ingested, Dracaenas are toxic to cats and dogs. Some species have been reported as toxic to humans as well, if ingested. Exercise caution if these plants are in the presence of pets or small children.

The Snake Plant or Mother-in Law's Tongue is a very popular houseplant. Until recently it belonged to the genus, Sansevieria. Molecular genetic research has revealed that the species formerly in Sansevieria are merely a specialized, succulent lineage within the genus Dracaena. They have been reclassified accordingly.

Dracaenas are attractive and adaptable, and have environmental benefits, too. They can improve the air quality in your home by removing toxins such as benzene or formaldehyde. They are low maintenance, easy to grow, and some are believed to bring good luck. The different species of this genus offer a wide range of plants for either indoor or outdoor use. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for thrips, mealybugs, aphids, scale, fungus gnats, and spider mites. Root rot can occurs if the soil is overly moist. Fungal leaf spot  will result if the leaves are gotten wet with watering. Brown leaves can be the result of low humidity or the buildup of salt in the soil. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, and yellowing leaves can be caused by overwatering.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Dracaena angolensis (African Spear), Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant), Dracaena goldieana (Queen of Dracaenas), Dracaena masoniana (Whale Fin Snake Plant), Dracaena reflexa ('Song of India'), Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (Madagascar Dragon Tree), Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo), Dracaena surculosa (Gold Dust Dracaena), Dracaena trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Tags:
#houseplant#specimen#shrub#easy to grow#low maintenance#interesting leaves#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#variegated#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#easy to grow houseplant#poisonous if ingested#patio#trees#border#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Dracaena angolensis (African Spear), Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant), Dracaena goldieana (Queen of Dracaenas), Dracaena masoniana (Whale Fin Snake Plant), Dracaena reflexa ('Song of India'), Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (Madagascar Dragon Tree), Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo), Dracaena surculosa (Gold Dust Dracaena), Dracaena trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Tags:
#houseplant#specimen#shrub#easy to grow#low maintenance#interesting leaves#ornamentals#herbaceous perennial#variegated#humidity tolerant#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#easy to grow houseplant#poisonous if ingested#patio#trees#border#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dracaena
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropics and Subtropics
    Distribution:
    Native: Angolia. Assam, Bangladesh, Be;oze. Borneo, Botswana, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Provinces, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, East Himalaya, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Laos, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Provinces, Northern Territory, Oman, Panama, Philippines, Queensland, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sumatera, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, United States--HI, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. Introduced: Bahamas, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Galapagos, Haiti, Jamaica, New Zealand North, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, United States--Florida, and Windward Island.
    Play Value:
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Succulent
    Tree
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Some species may produce berries. Houseplants rarely produce fruit.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Rarely flowers as a houseplant. Outdoor or mature plants may produce clusters of small, fragrant white or yellow flowers. Blooms in the spring or summer months.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves vary depending on the species, and may be grown from a basal rosette, simple, linear or lance-shaped with entire margins. The leaf color also varies between species and may be green, red, yellow, white, or variegated.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Dry Soil
    Heat
    Heavy Shade
    Humidity
    Poor Soil
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    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:
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Sap/Juice