Dracaena Plants
Dracaenas are great easy-care houseplants that make an impact. They are easy to care for and low maintenance, making them ideal for beginners or busy individuals. Gorgeous bare stems and tufts of straplike foliage give that tropical indoor tree feel, with visually striking spiky leaves and lush green foliage. Some dracaena varieties feature variegated leaves with bold stripes or multicolored patterns, adding to their aesthetic appeal. There are several different dracaena varieties and species, some with thicker fleshier leaves, others with long, thin foliage in a range of colours, offering versatility and appeal for any indoor space. Due to their slender upright form, they fit neatly into crowded spaces. Dracaena plants are also considered some of the best houseplants for improving indoor air quality.
About Dracaena Genus Plants at Boma
Dracaenas are a fantastic group of plants—being pretty drought tolerant when it comes to houseplants and can withstand various levels of light. While they tolerate low light conditions and shade, they thrive best as an indoor plant in a spot with bright, indirect light or natural light. Stable indoor temperatures are important for their health, as fluctuations can cause issues like brown tips. Their tall, woody stems and clumps of thin leaves can be pretty stylish/minimalist, given their setting. The dracaena genus is diverse, including species and varieties such as dracaena fragrans (corn plant), dracaena deremensis, 'Lemon Lime', dracaena marginata (Madagascar dragon tree), and even the snake plant (formerly sansevieria trifasciata), which has been reclassified into the dracaena genus.
The dragon tree is native to Madagascar, but the dracaena genus also includes tropical plants from regions like Central America, Africa, and South Asia. Although it doesn’t need high humidity levels, it still requires slight moisture in the air to prevent leaf tips from drying and turning brown. Dry air can cause brown tips, which are a common sign of low humidity. After addressing humidity, remember to water only when the soil is dry to avoid overwatering and root rot. When repotting, use a pot with drainage holes and fresh potting soil, and repot in spring for best results. Check the roots for signs that the plant needs to be repotted—healthy roots are essential for growth.
They are slow-growing houseplants that can thrive in any spot in the house, be it a cool, low-light hallway or warm office corner. Dracaenas can tolerate short periods without care, making them ideal for busy people. When pruning or propagating, remove older leaves and lower leaves, and always use clean pruners. Propagation can be done using stem cuttings: cut a healthy stem, remove lower leaves, and root it in water or soil. Dracaena plants may occasionally produce flowers, which is a sign of a healthy plant. Monitor for pests such as mealybugs and thrips to maintain plant health. Just try to avoid direct sunlight, as this could scorch new growth and cause leaf scorch. All in all, Dracaena make brilliant living additions to the house and provide that indoor tree aesthetic. They are also popular in gardens and as decorative trees.
Dracaena plants are mildly toxic if ingested by pets or humans, so keep them out of reach. The name Dracaena comes from the Greek word meaning female dragon, referencing its mythological and descriptive roots.