About Dracaena
Dracaena belongs to Asparagaceae and has a broad tropical and subtropical distribution. Woody forms develop trunks or canes, while others form low clumps of succulent foliage.
Types of Dracaena
- Woody canes
- D. fragrans; D. marginata
- Flat, upright leaves
- D. trifasciata
- Cylindrical leaves
- D. angolensis
Growing Dracaena
General guidance for this genus. Individual species and cultivars can need different conditions.
- Light
- Woody forms: bright, indirect. Snake plants: light shade also tolerated.
- Water
- Woody forms: top 5 cm dry → water. Snake plants: dry throughout first.
- Temperature
- Woody forms: 18–30°C. Snake plants: 15–24°C.
- Humidity
- Woody forms: humid air. Snake plants: low humidity; no misting needed.
- Compost
- Woody forms: acidic, airy. Snake plants: free-draining cactus mix.
Sources
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Dracaena distribution ↗
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Dracaena trifasciata and its synonym ↗
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Dracaena angolensis and Sansevieria cylindrica ↗
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Dracaena bicolor synonymy ↗
- RHS — How to grow woody dracaenas ↗
- RHS — Snake plant cultivation under the name Sansevieria ↗