The Dracaena genus includes a wide variety of plant species that are popularly grown indoors. Keep reading and I’ll introduce you to some of the most common Dracaena species so you can choose the right one for your home.
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How To Identify a Dracaena Plant
This large family of plants includes many species that are popular choices for both indoor and outdoor gardens. But with so many different types of dracaena plants to choose from, how do you identify these plants and figure out which one would be best for you and your home?
One of the best indicators that a plant is a Dracaena variety is the leaves. Dracaena plants usually have longer, sometimes drooping leaves, and it usually has quite a few leaves densely packed together. This is true of most, but not all Dracaena varieties.
Indoor and Outdoor Dracaena Varieties
Indoor and outdoor Dracaena plants are available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Depending on the species, they can be either evergreen or deciduous. Here is a list of Dracaena plants to give you a better understanding of each variety.
Dracaena Arborea
The Dracaena arborea is a type of Dracaena plant that is native to Africa. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 15m tall. The leaves are glossy and dark green in colour with white stripes running along the length of the leaf. The flowers are small and white and appear in clusters. The fruit is a black berry that is poisonous to humans but not to birds.
Dorado Dracaena
The Dorado Dracaena is a type of plant that is known for its beautiful, gold-colored leaves. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, and it is a popular choice for indoor landscaping. The Dorado Dracaena is a low-maintenance plant that does well in a wide range of climates and soil types.
Dracaena Fragrans
Fragrans plants are available in a variety of colors, including green, red, and yellow, and can reach up to six feet in height. These plants prefer bright indirect light and should be watered sparingly.
Dracaena fragrans ‘Bausei‘ (Corn Plant)
The Dracaena fragrans ‘Bausei‘ is one of the most popular varieties. This variety is known for its large, glossy leaves that are a deep green color. The leaves of this plant can grow up to 18 inches long and 6 inches wide. The Corn Plant is a slow grower, but can reach heights of 6-8 feet tall when given proper care.
Dracaena fragrans ‘Lindenii’
One of the most popular Dracaena plants is the Dracaena fragrans ‘Lindenii’. This plant has beautiful leaves that are a deep green color with yellow stripes running through them. The ‘Lindenii’ is a great plant for indoor use as it is very easy to care for and does not require a lot of light or water to thrive.
Dracaena fragrans ‘Victoria’
The Dracaena Fragrans ‘Victoria’ is a type of dracaena plant that is native to Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are long and narrow with a dark green color. The flowers are white and they bloom in the summertime. This plant is great for indoor use as it does not require a lot of light or water.
Dracaena frangrans ‘Lisa’
The Lisa variety has long, glossy green leaves with yellow stripes running down the center. It’s tolerant of low light levels, making it ideal for indoor growth. ‘Lisa’ can reach up to 6 feet in height, so it’s also a good choice if you want a taller plant for your home.
Florida Beauty Dracaena
The Florida Beauty Dracaena is a stunning spotted Dracaena variety with dark green leaves and bright yellow spots that cluster towards the middle of each leaf. Care for this plant is similar to all the other Dracaena varieties.
Dracaena ‘Goldieana’ (Zebra Striped Dragon Tree)
This zebra striped dragon tree is sure to turn heads and make a statement in any room. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall (although it is more commonly found around 6-8 feet). The ‘Goldieana’ variety is known for its striking yellow and green striped leaves.
Hawaiian Sunshine Dracaena
One of the most popular types of Dracaena is the Hawaiian Sunshine Dracaena (Dracaena marginata). This plant is known for its vibrant yellow and green leaves, and can grow to be several feet tall.
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’
The Janet Craig Dracaena is one of the most popular varieties and is known for its ability to tolerate low light conditions. It’s a very popular houseplant, likely because of the interesting dense leaves that create plenty of visual interest for many spaces.
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ Compacta
The ‘Janet Craig’ Compacta is a slow-growing plant that can reach a height of 3 to 4 feet. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are 2 to 3 inches wide and 12 inches long. This plant is perfect for adding some greenery to your home without taking up too much space.
Lemon Lime Dracaena
If you’re looking for a Dracaena that’s both stylish and easy to care for, the Lemon Lime Dracaena is a great option! This type of Dracaena has vibrant green and yellow striped leaves, which makes it a beautiful addition to any indoor space. The Lemon Lime Dracaena is also a low-maintenance plant, so it’s perfect for busy people who want to enjoy the benefits of houseplants without all the work.
Lemon Surprise Dracaena
Looking for a little bit of citrus zing in your indoor plants? Then the Lemon Surprise Dracaena is the plant for you! This type of Dracaena is known for its fragrant, lemon-scented foliage, which can brighten up any room. The Lemon Surprise Dracaena is also easy to care for.
Limelight Dracaena
This type of dracaena has bright, lime-green leaves. It’s a popular choice for indoor plants because it’s easy to care for and thrives in low-light conditions. The limelight dracaena is a slow-growing plant, so it’s perfect for those who don’t want to deal with constant pruning.
Dracaena Massangeana
The Dracaena Massangeana is a dracaena plant that is native to Africa. It is also known as the corn plant or the dragon tree. This plant can grow up to six feet tall and has long, green leaves that are striped with yellow. The Massangeana is a popular indoor plant because it is easy to care for and thrives in low-light conditions.
Dracaena Reflexa
If you’re looking for a Dracaena plant that’s sure to make a statement, look no further than the Dracaena reflexa. This tropical plant is native to Madagascar and features long, narrow leaves that are striped with yellow or white. While the Dracaena reflexa can grow quite large outdoors, it’s also well-suited for life indoors where it can reach a height of 6 feet.
Dracaena Rikki
The Dracaena Rikki can tolerate lower light levels than some of the other Dracaena varieties, making it a good choice for those who do not have a lot of sun in their home. The leaves of this plant are long and thin, and they have a green and yellow striped pattern.
Dracaena Song of India
The Dracaena Song of India is a type of Dracaena plant that is native to Africa. The Song of India has long, dark green leaves that are striped with yellow or white. The flowers of this plant are small and white, and they bloom in the summer. The fruit of the Dracaena Song of India is a red berry that is poisonous to humans.
Song of Jamaica
The Song of Jamaica plant is a tree-like Dracaena variety. It grows multiple stems and can get up to 15 feet, but typically does not get that tall when kept in a pot indoors.
Dracaena surculosa (Gold Dust)
The Gold Dust variety is one of the most popular Dracaena plants. This variety is known for its unique leaves which are variegated with yellow and green. These leaves are what give the plant its name. This plant does not require much light or water and can tolerate low humidity levels.
Dracaena Sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo)
The Lucky Bamboo plant is very easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of environments. It’s a great choice for beginners, as it is very forgiving if you make a mistake in its care.
Dracaena Sanderiana Variegata (‘Ribbon Plant’)
If you love the Lucky Bamboo plant but are looking for a splash of color in your indoor plants, then the Dracaena sanderiana variegata, or ‘Ribbon Plant’, is a perfect choice. These beautiful plants feature long, ribbon-like leaves that are variegated with stripes of white, yellow, and green.
Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
The Dracaena Trifasciata, also known as the snake plant, is also native to Africa. It is a popular plant to grow indoors due to its low maintenance requirements and its ability to purify the air. The snake plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and produces white or yellow flowers.
Warneckii Dracaena
Warneckii dracaena is a type of Dracaena deremensis. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The leaves are lance-shaped and dark green with white stripes running down the center of each leaf. The flowers are small and white and they bloom in the springtime.
Red Dracaena Varieties
Red plants just bring an extra pizazz to your home, and these Dracaena varieties can make an even bolder statement than the others. These red Dracaena varieties are beautiful and easy to care for.
Dracaena Marginata
This plant is known for its sword-like leaves that are edged with a deep red color. The Dracaena Marginata is a slow-growing plant, but it can reach up to 15 feet in height if left unpruned.
Dracaena Marginata ‘Tricolor’
The Dracaena Marginata ‘Tricolor’ is a very popular variety also. This plant has beautiful variegated leaves that are striped with green, yellow, and red. The Marginata ‘Tricolor’ is a great choice for beginners or those looking for a bit of color in their indoor space.
How To Grow & Care For Dracaena
No matter what type of Dracaena plant you have, they are all easy to care for. With just a little bit of knowledge, you can keep your plant healthy and looking its best. Here is everything you need to know about growing Dracaena plants, including tips on watering, lighting, and fertilizing.
Height & Spread
One of the things that make Dracaena plants so popular is that they come in a variety of sizes. Whether you’re looking for a small plant to spruce up your desk or a large one to fill up an empty corner, there’s definitely a Dracaena plant that’s just right for you.
Soil
Dracaena plants are not fussy when it comes to soil, but they do prefer well-drained, sandy soil that is high in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-based, you can improve drainage by adding sand or grit to the planting hole. These plants are also tolerant of salt, so they make a good choice for coastal gardens.
Position
All Dracaena plants do best in an environment with indirect sunlight, but plenty of it. So the best placement for your Dracaena plant is in a room that receives plenty of natural sunlight, but make sure the plant itself is not getting too much direct sunlight.
Temperature & Humidity
One of the great things about dracaena plants is that they can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They are comfortable in rooms that are kept at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can also tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them ideal for homes and offices where the temperature fluctuates or is not always consistent.
Watering
Watering your Dracaena properly is extremely important. Over-watering can be just as detrimental to the plant as under-watering, so you’ll have to strike a balance. The best way to determine how much water your plant needs is to feel the soil; if it is dry, it is time to water. Water the plant until the soil is evenly moistened, being careful not to over-water. Allow the excess water to drain away and never leave the plant sitting in water.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing your Dracaena plant is important to keep it healthy and growing. Use a general purpose fertilizer and apply it every two to three months. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package. Over-fertilizing can damage your plant. You can easily prevent over- and under-fertilizing by using a plant food, such as this!
Flowering
Not all Dracaena plants flower, so if you’re looking for one that produces beautiful flowers for you to enjoy, you’ll want the Dracaena Fragrans or the Dracaena Deremensis. It’s possible for other varieties to flower, but these are the most common, and they usually only flower when the plant has matured.
Repotting
Your Dracaena plant will need to be repotted occasionally to ensure that it continues to thrive. Here are some tips on how to repot a Dracaena plant:
- Choose a pot that is just slightly larger than the current one. This will give the roots room to grow without being constricted.
- Use fresh potting mix, and make sure to add in some extra drainage material such as gravel or perlite.
- Be careful when handling the roots, as they are delicate and can easily be damaged.
- Gently firm the potting mix around the roots and water well.
With just a little bit of care, your Dracaena plant will continue to thrive for many years to come!
Pruning
Pruning your plant will encourage new growth and keep your plant looking full and healthy. It is also a good way to control the size of your plant.
To prune your Dracaena, simply cut back any leggy or overgrown stems to the desired length. You can use sharp shears or a knife for this purpose. Be sure to make clean, straight cuts so that your plant can heal quickly.
You can prune your Dracaena as often as once a month if needed. Just be sure not to overdo it, as this can damage the plant. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and prune less frequently.
Propagating
If you’re looking to propagate your Dracaena, the best way to do it is through stem cuttings. You’ll want to cut a section that is about 6 inches long, and make sure that there are at least 2 nodes on the cutting. You can then place the cutting in water or moist soil, and wait for it to root. Once it has rooted, you can then transplant it into a pot of its own.
Water
Propagating in water is a very popular way to propagate a lot of plants because it is simply one of the easiest. You simply take the cutting from your plant and place it in a vase of clean water. Make sure to change the water every few days to prevent any diseases from growing in the water.
Use a propagation promoter and rooting hormone to help the cutting root quicker!
Air Layering
Another way to propagate this plant is through air layering. Air layering is a process where you take a cutting from the plant, and allow it to form roots while still attached to the parent plant.
To air layer a Dracaena marginata, start by finding a healthy stem on the plant that is at least a few inches long. Cut a 1-2 inch long notch into the stem, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Fill the notch with moistened sphagnum moss, and then wrap the entire section tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure that the plastic wrap is secure so that the moss does not fall out.
Place the wrapped section in a warm, humid location, and mist it regularly to keep the moss moist. In a few weeks, you should see roots beginning to form in the moss. Once the roots are well-established, you can cut the stem below the plastic wrap and pot up your new plant!
Common Problems With Dracaena
While dracaenas are generally low-maintenance, they are susceptible to a few issues that can cause problems for your plant. Here are a few of the most common problems that are seen with Dracaena.
Leaning
With many larger indoor plants, leaning can become quite a problem. There could be a few reasons your plant is leaning, including a pot that isn’t big enough to support the plant’s size, a pet that continually tries to climb the plant, or if the plant is not getting enough light. Check on your plant to see if the leaning is due to one of these issues, all of which are relatively easy fixes.
Drooping
Drooping can be caused by a number of factors, including too much sun, too little water, or even a lack of nutrients. If you notice your Dracaena plant drooping, try to determine the cause and take corrective action.
Yellow Leaves
If you notice your dracaena plant’s leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is getting too much sun. While dracaenas prefer bright, indirect sunlight, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn yellow. If you think this may be the problem, try moving your plant to a location with less sunlight.
Yellow leaves can also indicate a nutrient deficiency. Dracaenas are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized regularly (about once a month during the growing season). If your plant is not being fertilized enough, its leaves will start to turn yellow. Use a well-balanced fertilizer and follow the directions on the package for best results.
Finally, yellow leaves can be a sign of root rot. This is usually caused by overwatering and can be fatal to the plant if not corrected. Check your plant’s roots to see if they are soft or mushy – if they are, it’s time to take action. Reduce watering frequency and make sure the pot has good drainage to prevent future problems.
Brown Tips
If you notice brown tips on your Dracaena plant, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to check the soil moisture and water accordingly. Also, be sure to fertilize regularly as this will help the plant stay healthy and green.
Root Rot
One of the most common problems with Dracaena plants is root rot. This is caused by a build-up of water in the plant’s pot. If you notice that your Dracaena’s leaves are yellowing or falling off, it’s likely due to root rot. To prevent this, make sure to water your Dracaena only when the soil is dry to the touch. If you think your plant has root rot, you can try repotting it in fresh, well-draining soil and treating it with our Root Supplement.
Scale
Scale insects can be some of the scariest insects to find on your indoor plant because they’re typically really difficult to get rid of. insecticides won’t work on them, so your only option is either using neem oil or pruning off the branches they’ve called home. You can drown them in soapy water to kill them. Repeat treatments may be necessary depending on the severity of the infestation.
Mealybugs
If you’re growing dracaena indoors, chances are you’ll eventually run into mealybugs. Mealybugs are small, wingless insects that feed on plant sap. They’re often found in crevices or on the underside of leaves, and they can quickly infest a dracaena plant if left unchecked. Mealybugs can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, and they can also transmit plant diseases.
To get rid of mealybugs, start by isolating any infested plants. Then, use a cotton swab or Q-tip to apply rubbing alcohol to the insects. You can also try using an insecticidal soap or neem oil. If the infestation is severe, you may need to dispose of the plant to prevent the spread of mealybugs.
FAQ Types Of Dracaena Plants
Is a dragon tree the same as a Dracaena?
The dragon tree is one of the many different varieties of Dracaena. Its botanical name is Dracaena Marginata.
What plants look like Dracaena?
One fairly popular plant that looks like some of the Dracaena varieties is the Yucca plant. There are some other plant families that look similar to Dracaena plants, but other than their looks, there’s usually not much else similar about them.
Dracaena Plant Varieties: Final Thoughts
There are so many different varieties of the Dracaena plant! I hope you’ve learned something valuable about these beautiful plants.
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