Dracaena fragrans is a fantastic indoor plant that responds well to low light conditions. 'Massangeana' distinctly stands out as the favorite cultivar due to its dramatic yellow band that streaks through the middle of each broad, strappy, dark green leaf. This plant prefers a steady temperature of around 75 degrees and has very low water needs. Just cleaning the leaves very occasionally of accumulated dust is about the only maintenance necessary to keep 'Massangeana' looking great.
| Plant Types: | Interior Plant, Perennial, Tree |
| Light: | Shade to Partial Sun |
| Height: | 6 feet to 10 feet |
| Width: | 1 foot to 3 feet |
| Zones: | 14a to 15b |
| Bloom Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green, Variegated, Yellow |
| Special Features: | Attractive foliage, Not North American native |
| Shape: | Columnar, Upright or erect |
| Fertilizer: | Miracle-Gro® Liquid All Purpose Houseplant Food, Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food |
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Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are cuttings taken from semi-mature wood.
Some show graceful fountain forms with broad, curved, ribbon like leaves or stiff, sword like leaves. D. draco grows slowly to 20 feet high and wide, and is the only species that doesn't need to be protected from wind. Dracaena does best in full sun or full light with moderate humidity.
In areas where Dracaena is not growing hardy, raise plants indoors as houseplants or in a warm greenhouse. A warm greenhouse has a minimum temperature of 55°F (13°C). During the day, temperatures should be set to 55-64°F (13-18°C) or above, and at night, the temperature should be at 55°F (13°C).
Almost never flowers as houseplants. D. draco has clusters of greenish white flowers at branch ends. Mature plants bear very fragrant flowers in summer, followed by red or yellow spherical berries.
In containers, water only when top 1/2-1" of soil is dry. Dracaena does best with well-draining soil. Indoors, use a soil-based potting mix. Water liberally during the growing season, reduced in winter.
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly between spring and fall.
Dracaena does not require regular pruning. To promote growth of weak plants, cut back plant to about 6" from the base (in spring).
Make sure to pot on, or move from one container to a larger one with fresh soil, in spring to provide room for new growth.
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Dracaena is sensitive to boron and calcium deficieny as well as excess fluoride.