Dracaena plants are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening. Often called “lucky bamboo”, dracaena resembles bamboo but is actually not a true bamboo. Instead, dracaena belongs to the Asparagaceae family of plants. With over 170 species, dracaena displays incredible diversity in size, shape, and color. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the different kinds of dracaena, their care and identification.
Overview of Dracaena
Despite the common name “lucky bamboo”, dracaena is not closely related to true bamboo It earned this nickname due to the similarity in appearance of its long, slender stems and strap-like foliage. Dracaena is native to tropical regions of Africa, southern Asia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean It thrives as an understory plant in its native habitat.
Most dracaena varieties feature spear-shaped leaves growing on cane-like stems. The leaves may be solid green or variegated with stripes of white yellow or lime green. Dracaena plants range in height from small 6-inch varieties to trees over 30 feet tall. They grow slowly and require little maintenance, making them excellent houseplants.
Popular Dracaena Varieties
With so many different dracaena species and cultivars available, deciding which one to get can be tricky. Here are some of the most popular varieties to consider:
Dracaena marginata
Also called dragon tree, this variety has slender, green leaves with red edges on thick woody stems. It can grow up to 15 feet tall indoors. Easy to care for and tolerant of neglect.
Dracaena fragrans
Known as corn plant, it has broad, dark green leaves with a distinctive yellow stripe down the middle. Grows in a tree-like form up to 6 feet tall. Thrives in low light conditions.
Dracaena sanderiana
The true “lucky bamboo” plant. Has solid green or variegated leaves on thin, flexible stems. Typically grown in water. Can reach 3-4 feet tall. Requires bright, indirect light.
Dracaena trifasciata
Aka snake plant. Features stiff, sword-like leaves in shades of green. Extremely tolerant of low light and irregular watering. Grows anywhere from 6 inches to 8 feet tall depending on variety.
Dracaena reflexa
Called Song of India Has narrow leaves with bright green and yellow stripes Grows up to 6 feet tall indoors. Prefers humid conditions.
Caring for Dracaena Plants
While care varies slightly between dracaena species, most share similar cultivation needs:
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Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves.
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Water – Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water less in winter.
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Humidity – Mist leaves and use a pebble tray to boost humidity around the plant.
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Temperature – Average room temperature between 65-80°F. Avoid cold drafts.
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Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Amend soil with perlite to improve drainage.
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Fertilizer – Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
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Pruning – Trim off any dead or damaged leaves and stems.
How to Identify Dracaena Varieties
With so many different dracaena plants available, it can be tricky identifying which variety you have. Here are some tips:
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Examine the shape and color of the leaves. Solid green or variegated? Narrow or wide?
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Look at the stem. Is it thin and flexible like lucky bamboo? Or thick and woody like dragon tree?
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Note the height. Compact varieties grow under 3 feet, while tree dracaena can be over 10 feet tall.
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Check for identifying features like the yellow stripe of corn plant or the sword-shaped leaves of snake plant.
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Research the scientific name. Dracaena marginata, Dracaena fragrans, and Dracaena sanderiana are distinct species.
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Ask the nursery or previous owner for the exact variety or cultivar name.
Unique and Rare Dracaena Varieties
Beyond the popular houseplant types, there are some rare and unique dracaena varieties to consider:
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Dracaena goldieana – The green zebra plant has dark green leaves with grayish bands.
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Dracaena draco – Also called dragon’s blood tree. Has blood-red sap and umbrella-shaped canopy.
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Dracaena arborea – The slender dragon tree has very narrow leaves and thin trunk.
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Dracaena cinnabari – The Socotra dragon tree has an unusual mushroom-shaped crown.
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Dracaena fragrans ‘White Jewel’ – A hard-to-find cultivar with white-striped leaves.
From the common corn plant to rare dragon trees, dracaena offers incredible diversity. Follow the care tips outlined and identify key features to select the perfect dracaena plant for your indoor or outdoor space. With the right conditions, these low-maintenance plants can thrive for years, providing tropical style anywhere.
Lucky Bamboo: Care Guide
Caring for Lucky Bamboo is simple and rewarding, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts. Explore the essential aspects of nurturing this auspicious plant so it thrives in your home or office environment.
If you grow your Lucky Bamboo in water, change the water every week to 10 days to prevent stagnation. Potted Dracaena sanderiana prefers consistently moist soil. Place your Lucky Bamboo plant in a spot with indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Maintain temperatures between 65°F and 90°F (18°C and 32°C), protecting the plant from drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations. Lucky bamboo thrives in average indoor humidity levels.
Lucky Bamboo can grow in soil and water alike. Repot only when necessary, using a container with adequate drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix. Feed the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer once during the growing season.
Lucky Bamboo propagation is typically done from stem cuttings. It’s best to root them in distilled water. Within about a month, roots will appear and you can plant the cutting in a potting mix. Alternatively, grow your new Lucky Bamboo plant in a vase with pebbles at the bottom filled with water.
Trim any yellow or damaged leaves using clean scissors to maintain the plant’s appearance. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them clean. Watch out for signs of yellowing leaves, which may indicate overwatering or exposure to direct sunlight.
Lucky Bamboo Care Guide & Presentation
- Give this Friendship Bamboo bright, indirect light to help the green leaves flourish. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). Use filtered, bottled, or tap water sitting 24 hours to release the chemicals and water enough that the water discharges out of the drainage holes. Once the water is fully drained, replace into the cache or decorative pot. If growing in water, replace with fresh, filtered water every 7-10 days. Average indoor humidity between 45-55% is adequate for this plant. The Friendship Bamboo prefers warmer temperatures. Outside: Place Friendship Bamboo in shade under a canopy of trees or on a covered porch. Leave outside in container pots until night time temperatures dip to 60°F. Inside: Set this plant in bright, indirect lighting. The Friendship Bamboo is not a heavy feeder and can be ignored on this part. If you prefer, fertilize once in the spring and summer by diluting a liquid fertilizer by half strength. Let the plant rest in the fall and winter. When receiving the plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes. Repot in the spring, using a 2″ bigger pot to keep the roots drier. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage. Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let sit an hour. Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen. Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling. Ensure the plant is sitting about 1″ below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over. Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil. Prune your Friendship Bamboo as they become taller to keep control of their height. Instead of cutting the main stalks, concentrate on the exterior offshoots with sterile scissors. Keep them a little shorter than the central stalk to give them a broader look. While watering monthly, set them in a sink and use a watering can with a shower end. Fill with nonchemical water and shower them from above, cleaning all the leaves of dust accumulation. Let drip dry. Remove at least one leaf joint and crop the leaves to reveal the growth nodes. Place the cutting into filtered or distilled water to cover the base of the cutting. Refresh the water each week as the red roots appear within 30 days. Once the roots are plentiful, plant them in a well-draining potting mix or set in a vase of pebbles filled with water and replace the moisture weekly. You might also like…
Lucky Bamboo, scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana, is not an actual bamboo plant but a member of the Dracaena genus. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, this plant has become popular worldwide for its charming appearance and symbolic significance. The Lucky Bamboo plant is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. As a symbol of luck, prosperity, and good fortune in Chinese culture, it’s a popular choice for gifting and interior decoration. Lucky Bamboo is toxic to pets if ingested, so caution should be taken in households with furry friends.
- According to Feng Shiu principles, it brings positive energy and good luck, enhancing the overall ambiance of any space.
- Its sleek and elegant appearance adds a touch of natural beauty to home or office environments, making it a popular choice for interior decoration.
- Lucky Bamboo boasts air-purifying properties, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living or working environment.
- Its low-maintenance nature and adaptability make it suitable for various settings, including bedrooms, offices, and other indoor spaces where it can thrive with minimal care.
- Curly Bamboo
- Chinese Water Bamboo
- Belgian Evergreen
- Sander’s Dracaena
37 Popular Types of Dracaena Plants // Best Dracaena Varieties // Dracaena identification .
FAQ
Is dracaena a type of bamboo?
The plant is commonly marketed as “lucky bamboo,” which has become one of its common names, although it is not a species of bamboo.
How do you take care of a dracaena bamboo plant?
Location: Place the container in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the new roots and leaves. Water Changes: If rooting in water, change the water every 2 weeks to keep it clean and prevent algae growth. For soil propagation, water as needed to keep the soil moist.
What are the disadvantages of dracaena?
Dracaena plants, while popular as houseplants, have some disadvantages, including toxicity to pets, sensitivity to fluoride, and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Does dracaena need sun or shade?
This plant likes bright, indirect sunlight. However, this plant can adapt to situations with consistently low light, like offices and interior rooms. Direct sunlight is the enemy to a dracaena, whether you plant them indoors or outdoors.