Dracaena Plant

Dracaena is a family of related plants. There are forty different species of plants in the genus Dracaena. Lets take a look at some care tips, propagation and other information about these plants.

Although the care tips will vary to some extent depending upon the species of this plant. But here are some general care tips for the Dracaena family.

Water:

They require less watering than most tropical plants. However, like other tropical plants, try to provide them with humid conditions. You can use misting for this purpose. If your Draecanas are in containers, place the plant container on a tray of pebbles. Make sure you regularly pour some water into this tray. Allow the soil to dry to the touch before watering them again.

Sun:

Light requirements will vary according to the species. Some species require low to medium light conditions while some fall into the category of moderate to bright light.

Temperature:

All dracaenas prefer warmer temperatures.

Soil:

Well-drained, rich soil will keep the plant in good health.

As Dracaena is not a single plant, but it is a genus of related plants. More like a family of plants. So, there is no single propagation method that applies to all the plants in the family. However, depending upon the species, dracaenas can be propagated by using the methods of cutting, air layering, offshoot removal(planting babies) ,division and seed germination. Here is a brief description of each of these methods.

Cutting:

Cutting is an easy method of propagating plants. Take about six to eight inch long cuttings of the plant and plant them into potting rich potting mix. Two third part of the cutting should be above the soil. Keep the soil moist. Look for the signs of new growth, which can take a few months.

Seed Germination:

Quite similar to the method mentioned above. Instead of cuttings, you are supposed to sow your seeds into the soil and keep the soil moist.

Offshoot Removal:

Some species of Dracaenas grow offshoots or babies. These offshoots grow right beside the mother plant. All you have to do is remove them from the mother plant and plant them into already prepared pots. Make sure you use rich soil to plant them. Water the mother plant thoroughly before and after removing the baby to reduce the shock. Also water the newly planted baby thoroughly.

Some of the commonly grown Dracaena species are mentioned below:

• Dracaena reflexa
• Dracaena Janet Craig
• Dracaena sanderiana (Ribbon Dracaena, Lucky Bamboo)
• Dracaena fragrans
• Dracaena Marginata (Red-edged Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree)
• Dracaena Warneckii

Dracaena plants species can be used to make Dragon's Blood. The dragon's blood is a bright red raisin which was used in ancient times as a medicine.

These plants have a secondary thickening meristem in their trunk.

There are forty different species of plants in the genus Dracaena.

The name means female dragon.

Lucky bamboo is in fact D. sanderiana, a species of Dracaena.