Dracaena

Dracaena is a genus of flowering plants in the Asparagaceae family, comprising about 40 species native to tropical Africa, southern Asia, and northern Australia. They are popular ornamentals, including the houseplants Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and Dracaena marginata (Madagascar dragon tree). Members are evergreen shrubs or small trees with cane-like stems and rosettes of long, arching leaves, often variegated.

Leaves are leathery and lanceolate, typically 15–100 cm long, arranged in rosettes at the stem tips. They range from solid green to variegated patterns with yellow, cream, or white bands, as seen in cultivars such as D. fragrans 'Massangeana' and D. marginata 'Tricolor'.

In cultivation they tolerate low to bright indirect light, but perform best with bright, indirect light. Use a well-draining mix and water when the top inch of soil dries, avoiding waterlogging. They prefer temperatures of 18–24°C and normal indoor humidity; protect from cold drafts. Fluoride in tap water can cause leaf-tip burn; filtered or distilled water is often used.

Pests are uncommon but may include scale, spider mites, and mealybugs. Dracaena species are mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting and excessive drooling, so keep plants away from pets.

Propagation is achieved by stem cuttings or air layering; numerous cultivars with various leaf colors and sizes are available, making Dracaena a versatile option for indoor and landscape plantings.