Looking to add some spiky foliage to your landscape and want some easy tips on how to grow Dracaena plants? Well, read on friends, because we have everything you need to know to grow these popular foliage plants!
What are Dracaena plants?
Dracaena (pronounced druh-SEE-nuh) are typically grown as annual plants, except in zones 10b -11, but there is mounting evidence that they can be grown as a perennial. They grow as a single, upright stem with ribbon or strap-like leaves. The plant usually looks like a mop upside down, but some types of Dracaena grow in small, shrub-like shapes. The glossy leaves come in many colors: medium to dark green, or variegated with white, cream, or red. Dracaena plants grow 1-10 feet tall indoors and up to 20 feet tall outdoors in tropical climates. They can be from 1-3 feet wide.
How to Grow Dracaena Plants
Also called corn plant, or dragon plant, dracaena are easy to grow. Indoors, they like bright, filtered to low-light areas, average room temperatures, and little water. They do not like cold drafts. Outdoors, dracaena plants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil in full to partial sun. A rule of thumb: the darker the leaf, the less light it needs. Indoors, use only distilled water or day-old tap water. The fluoride in fresh tap water can damage the leaves.
How to Fertilize a Dracaena
Use an all-purpose granular fertilizer (6-6-6) for outdoor plants. For indoor plants, go with a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks. Bear in mind that each cultivar may have a different need, so check with where you purchased the plant, if in doubt.
Dracaena are Low Maintenance
Outdoors, you need to prune it from spring to summer to make it grow new shoots. Indoors, repot your dracaena every three years or so to avoid a root-bound potted plant.
Garden Design: Dracaena
Dracaena are the ultimate thriller plants for your containers. They pair well with both canna and hibiscus. Be aware that the leaves of the dracaena can be toxic to pets and small children.
Ready to grow your own dracaena? Check out our selection and add some lovely spiky texture to your life!
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