DRACAENA

ORIGIN
The name Dracaena is derived from the Greek word ‘drakaina.’ This means ‘female dragon.’ Originally this plant comes from the West of tropical Africa. The plant has also been called dragon’s blood tree; from a cut of the Dracaena draco oozes sticky red sap, the so called “dragons blood.” It was previously thought that dragons lost this blood in their combat with elephants. Dragon’s blood was previously used as a well known medicine and also as colorant (Cinnabar).

The Dracaena is known for its air purifying effect. Dracaenas are exceptionally strong plants, which are disease resistant and can stand the shade as well as the sun. By making combinations in stem length, differently looking forms can be grown, from single up to several stems of different lengths in one pot.

CARE
The Dracaena thrives great at room temperature. In winter it can best be a bit cooler, however never below a temperature of 12 up to 15 °C. Don’t place the Dracaena in the full sun, but in a spot with some more shade. Keep the pot ball moderately moist. Give it approximately twice a week tepid water and make sure that there is sufficient water drainage (use pot shards under in the pot). Give a bit less water during the winter.

During the growth period give the Dracaena a bit of plant nutrition once every two weeks. You have to regularly spray variegated Dracaena types in winter. In dry air brown leave tips can occur. Spraying also helps to prevent sap infestation.

We recommend to repot the Dracaena every two years in the spring. For this use a mixture of potting compost and peat. Due to the fact that many Dracaenas have variegated leaves, light is very important. In poor lighting the colours regress (the leave is again green) and the leave figure fades away. The same symptom can occur if the plant receives too much water for an extended period of time.

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