dracaena

on first sight you wouldn’t consider this houseplant to be a member of the genus dracaena. not only of the oval shaped leaves, with splotches of cream and green. because its stems ar looking a bit like a bamboo. dracaena surculosa is sometimes called gold dust dracaena or spotted dracaena. there are different cultivars available with spotted or striped leaves.

care

the gold dust dracaena likes to be placed bright without direct sun. a light shaded place will be tolerated. a too dark or a sunny place can cause leaf drop.

it can pe potted in a good regular mix. the soil should be kept evenly moist, its surface can dry between the waterings. avoid overwatering such as complete dry out.

a water soluble fertilizer can be given monthly during spring/summer and every six to eight weeks in fall/winter. use the half of the by the manufacturer indicated concentration. after re-potting there is no need to feed for the first six to eight weeks. the same applies for recently purchased plants.

dracaena surculosa likes to be placed at room temperature throughout the year with a winter minimum of 15 °c (59 °f). if placed a bit colder at this time there is no need to fertilize. spraying it over with water keeps its leaves free from dust.

propagation

the gold dust dracaena can be propagated by cuttings.

the genus dracaena contains about 40 species and belongs to the ruscaceae familiy. some of them are very popular houseplants. the madagascar dragon tree (dracaena marginata) is native to madagascar. there are some cultivars with variegated leaves (red or yellow edges).

care

the madagascar dragon tree does best on a bright to halfshady place without afternoon sun. some morning or evening sun will be tolerated. the variegated cultivars need a bit more light. during the summer it can be placed in the garden or on the balcony.

dracaena marginata can be cultivated at room temperature througout the year and a minimum of 14 °c (57.2 °f) during the winter.

keep the soil constantly moist but not wet. a regular potting mix can be used. from spring to the end of the summer water soluble fertilizer can be given every two to four weeks. during the winter every four to six weeks if dracaena marginata is placed at room temperature. if it’s placed colder there is no need for fertilization. i use the half concentration indicated by the manufacturer.

propagation

stem cuttings can be put direct into moist soil.