Dracena (Dracaena)

Corn Plant (Dracaena massangeana)

The great variety of dracenas available provide dramatic forms for interior design. These impressively large foliage plant make good choice for either formal or informal setting , regardless of  whether you use them singly or as focal points for mass arrangement of plant collection. And as an added plus, they are easy to grow.

Dracaena fragrans massangeana often is called the corn plant because its wide leaves resemble those of a cornstalk. The yellow stripe that runs the length of each leaf will disappear if the plant stands too far from its light source, but the all-green foliage is still lush. Brown leaf tips indicate improper watering-either too little or too much.

  

 Dracaena janet craig has several relatives of similar appearance, all of which often are called dragon trees. They do well in medium light and average house humidity if grown in porous soil and provide with good drainage.

Dracaena warnecki

The striking leaves of Dracaena warnecki make it popular in spite of its tendency to develop brown tips and edge. You can snip of these discoloration with scissors.

One of the most desirable of indoor plant, Dracaena marginata  has narrow bottle-green leaves edged with red. This angular, sculptural plant will reach a height of six feet.

Dracaena godseffiana, called Florida Beauty, is a dwarf, maturing at 18 to 24 inches tall. Its wiry stems of green leaves mottled with creamy white grow in a haphazard manner.

Light

Florida Beauty (Dracaena godseffiana)

Grow in an east window or out of direct sun in south and west windows to maintain brightly colored foliage of the variegated types. Dracaena will survive with only remote artificial light, but growth will be much slower.

Water

Dracaenas withstand neglected for some time, but it’s best to keep soil just moist to the touch. Lower leaves of D. marginata will drop if you withhold water too long. Of course, old leaves will drop eventually, anyway, resulting in the angular stem structure that’s generally pleasing. As with all houseplants, always use unsoftened, room-temperature water.

Draceana janet craig

Special Helps

Loose, well-drained soil high in organic matter encourages good growth,; a general potting soil mixture will suffice. Feed with any complete soluble or liquid houseplant fertilizer every three month, year around.

Start new plants from stem cutting or by air layering. Rejuvenate an overly leggy dracaena by cutting it off four to six inches above ground. New growth will sprout on what’s left of the old potted stem. 

Source : Growing Houseplants