DRAGON PLANT
DRACAENA FRAGRANS
When mature, this variegated plant has a thick, woody- looking stem and will produce multiple crowns. Most dragon plants have green leaf edges with yellow central stripes, but there are variations. The glossy leaves add sparkle to a shady room, which make this easy-to-grow plant a popular choice.
HEIGHT 4ft (1.2m)
SPREAD 36in (90cm)
FLOWERS Small, white
FOLIAGE Strappy, variegated
LIGHT Filtered sun/light shade
TEMPERATURE 59–75°F (15–24°C)
CARE Easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN Tropical Africa
CARE
Dragon plants are straightforward to place in the home as they thrive in both filtered sun and light shade. They require moderate humidity so will be equally happy in a sitting room or a bathroom.
The plant should be kept moist but not wet in spring and summer. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them shiny and healthy. During this time, feed with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks and mist occasionally with water. Reduce watering in the winter and keep the plant away from cold drafts. Larger specimens can be top-heavy, so choose a peat-free, enriched potting mix. This will help the plant stay upright as it’s heavier and offers more support to the roots than commercial potting mix. If the plant has grown taller than you’d like, cut the stem down to a preferred height and it will resprout.
A young dragon plant makes a bold statement in a modern setting.
PROBLEM SOLVING The dragon plant is relatively pest-free. The most common ailment is brown tips on the leaves, which is frequently caused by cold drafts or dry air. Using a pair of florist scissors, simply cut off the brown tips, making sure that the leaves are left with a natural shape.
Keep leaves shiny and healthy by cleaning with a damp cloth.
DISPLAY
Smaller specimens are perfect for a tabletop or mixed bowl of houseplants, while mature plants offer a tropical look to a room and add height. Mature plants with trunks and several crowns are excellent specimens for a decorative pot, but make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the plant.
Dragon plants are easy to care for, so they’ll combine well with other shade-tolerant plants. For an eye-catching mixed container, partner them with plants that have contrasting foliage, such as the radiator plant and the peace lily.
Houseplants A–Z | DRAGON PLANT
ALSO TRY
If you’re hoping to grow a plant to a specific height—as you can with the dragon plant—there are several climbing houseplants that can be trained up moss poles, including:
- Blushing philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’), height 4ft (1.2m). The stunning red stalks and large, heart-shaped leaves of this plant will happily climb a moss pole.
- Jungle vine (Parthenocissus amazonica), height/trail up to 4ft (1.2m). This plant has arrow-shaped leaves with attractive silver veins and maroon undersides.