Dracaena is a large genus in the Agave family, comprising 80 species of beautiful plants known for their resilience and low demands on growing conditions. These are trees or shrubs commonly found in Africa, growing in tropical and subtropical forests, savannas, and mountain slopes. Most species have leathery, stiff, linear, or lanceolate leaves arranged spirally along the stem, sometimes gathered in clusters at the top. In cultivation, they rarely bloom, usually around the 10th to 12th year. The flowers are small, white, pink, or yellow, gathered in clusters or panicles, and are not very decorative.
Dracaenas are long-lived plants; some species include specimens that are up to 5,000 years old (on the island of Tenerife).
Dracaena – care in home conditions
Lighting and temperature
Dracaenas grow well at a temperature of 18-20°C, while Dracaena Fragrans and Dracaena Hooker can be grown in cooler rooms. They are not demanding regarding lighting (including the variegated forms of Dracaena Deremensis, where leaves often fade and lose their brightness in bright sunlight).
Watering and spraying
Dracaena is watered abundantly during the spring-summer period. In winter, watering is reduced, but the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Regular spraying is also necessary. It should be noted that dracaenas tolerate slight drying out better than overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Dracaena should be regularly sprayed at home.
Feeding
Dracaena is fed every 2 weeks with a heavily diluted flower fertilizer for ornamental foliage plants.
Soil
The soil mixture for dracaenas is prepared from turf, leaf soil, humus, and peat (2:1:1:0.5).
Transplanting
Young dracaena plants are transplanted annually in spring, while mature ones are transplanted every 2-3 years. When planting, it is essential to provide drainage.
Propagation
Dracaena can be propagated at home at any time of the year by stem cuttings (with or without leaves) about 15-20 cm long. The cuttings are planted vertically in a light soil mixture of peat with expanded clay, or sand with moss, or simply sand, at a temperature of 23-25°C. After 3-4 weeks, the rooted cuttings are planted in 8 cm diameter pots. Such plants are not very decorative and serve as mother plants for further cuttings. Stem sections without leaves can also be propagated at any time. The cut pieces (5-6 cm long) are placed horizontally in a greenhouse or box on sand, pressing down 2-3 cm. Rooted cuttings are planted in pots, fully burying the cut stem section. The tops of the shoots are also cut and rooted in sand or water. After 3-4 weeks, they are planted in pots with a soil mixture of peat, leaf soil with the addition of turf soil and sand.
Diseases and pests
Dracaena can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and nematodes. Among diseases, leaf spot is common.
Beneficial properties
Dracaena can be considered one of the most powerful green filters. It can absorb and neutralize toxic substances such as xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde through its leaves and roots.