A member of the Dracaena family (Dracaena deremensi “Warneckii”), this native of tropical Africa has long sword-like leaves that are rigid and sharply pointed.
The most common Warneckii grows up to five feet on a cane-like stalk. Its gray-green leaves are striped with white or green. The variety "lemon-lime" is displayed from about a foot in height to several feet. Its light green (lemon-lime color) leaves are attached more securely to the cane. The bush warneckii is shorter with darker green leaves radiating from the center.
Care of Warneckii
These plants thrive in bright or filtered window light, but can tolerate low artificial light. Hot sun will bleach out the color and stress the plant. They like to dry out between waterings. A good watering method is to direct water right around the cane-like stem. If any water collects in the drip tray, it should be emptied to assure the plant does not remain in standing water. After watering, the plant should be allowed to dry out almost completely before it is watered again. A pencil pushed into the soil makes a good test for dryness. If the pencil comes out with no damp soil clinging to it, it’s time to water again.
Between waterings, misting with a spray bottle will provide needed humidity. The leaves can occasionally be dusted or cleaned with a damp sponge or baby wipes to keep them fresh looking.
Potential Problems
Leaves of the Warneckii detach easily, so care should be taken to handle them carefully when dusting.
Brown leaf tips are a common problem. Under-watering can be the cause of brown tipping. But the same problem can also be caused by over-watering. Continuous over-watering may cause root rot, which deprives the plant of its ability to utilize the water it receives.
Pests
Mealy bugs are the most likely pests to attack Warneckii. Mealy bugs are often too tiny to see, but they leave distinctive cottony masses, particularly in leaf axils and around new growth. They also leave behind a sticky film of “honeydew,” that can attract mold and fungus to the leaves.
Mealy bugs multiply rapidly, so whenever tell-tale signs appear, the affected area should be wiped down immediately with a paper towel or cotton swabs dipped in diluted alcohol.
Once the cottony deposits and honeydew are removed, the plant should be sprayed with a solution of water, diluted alcohol and a few drops of dish detergent. The first spraying will need to be followed a week later to remove any new bugs that may have hatched.
Placment in Home or Office
The Warneckii will generally become quite large and is usually positioned in a decorative pot on the floor. It makes a striking accent piece when placed alone or surrounded by smaller plants in their own pots at its base. Smaller plants can make a handsome statement on a table or counter.
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