Dracaenas include the Corn Plant, also called “Mass Cane” or “Massangeana,” plus the similar Janet Craig, the Dragon Tree or “Marginata” and the Variegated Dracaena or “Warneckii”. Song of India is also a member of this group. They all have long been favorites for offices and showroom plantscaping, but are becoming increasingly popular in homes.
Dracaenas originated in tropical and subtropical Africa. In a warm interior location, Dracaenas are easy to care for. A bright spot, away from direct sun, is ideal, but most are also excellent plants for low light areas.
Below are tips for maintaining the various varieties.
Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’)
This plant has long, graceful leaves growing from a central cane. Leaves are dark and shiny with a yellow stripe. When canes are cut, side branching occurs, creating an interesting sculptured effect.
Soil should be kept evenly moist and allowed to dry slightly between waterings. Soil should drain well and the plants should never be left in standing water or waterlogged soil. In low light, water needs to be applied more sparingly. Monthly fertilizing in summer keeps them healthy.
Plants potted in volcanic rock do well.
Dracaenas like humidity, but water pooling on leaves may cause spotting. Leaves can be kept shiny by wiping with a damp cloth to remove dust build-up. Occasional brown tips can be cut to follow the leaf shape. Continual brown tipping usually indicates underwatering.
Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’)
This variety is very similar to the Massangeana above. Janet Craig is a cultivar that is tolerant of a variety of conditions, including occasional periods of neglect. Small plants can add interest to a table, while larger plants will fill a prominent spot on the floor.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Leaves of the Dragon Tree are very slender and either radiate upward from a central cane or cascade downward for a “weeping” effect. Small plants are popular for tabletops, as are the larger ones that can grow to five feet. The red leaf margins give the plant its name “marginata.”
Dragon Tree likes a little sun. Evenly moist soil is ideal, but it can survive some neglect. Overwatering will result in yellowing of the delicate leaves.
Variegated Dracaena (Dracaena Warneckii)
Leaves of the Warneckii are more rigid than other Dracaenas, and not as firmly attached. Like its cousins, Warneckii can tolerate neglect. It does best in bright light, but not direct sun. It should be allowed to dry between waterings. In a large pot it can grow to five feet. Like others of this genus, the Warneckii may spot if water is allowed to accumulate on the leaves. Leaves can be wiped with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
Song of India (Dracaena reflexa)
The last of the Dracaena tribe has shorter leaves grouped in tufts on a thinner, branching stem. It requires more light than other Dracaenas, but thrives in conditions from cold to hot and even drafts. It should dry somewhat between waterings, but prolonged underwatering will result in brown tips. This plant is very pest-resistant.
Dracaena is a popular group of indoor plants. Large examples are especially prized as dramatic enhancements to interior design. Combine their beauty with easy care and they can be an ideal houseplant choice.
The popular Warneckii is another group of dracaenas outlined in a related article.
Sources:
Complete Houseplants, A Foolproof Growers’ Guide, by Jack Kramer, Creative Homeowner, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2008.
Houseplants from A to Z, by Karin Greiner and Dr. Angelika Weber, Barron’s Educational Series, Inc., Hauppauge, N.Y., 2007.
Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants, Denny Schrock, editor, Meredith Publishing Group, Des Moines, IA, 2005.
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