Dracaenas are popular choices for tropical landscapes. In colder climates, they’re vibrant houseplants that offer air-purifying beauty, year-round.
Did you know that there are 120 different types of Dracaena? Recently, Pleomele and Sansevieria (snake plants), once in their own categories, are now members of the Dracaena pantheon.
Whether you’re a seasoned houseplant connoisseur or just starting out, there is always more you know about them.
In this article, we’ll discuss 20 different cultivars, what they need to thrive and what you can do to protect them from root rot and similar ailments.
What do Dracena Plants look like?
Within the vast range of Dracaenas in the Asparagaceae family, exist a plethora of foliage variegation and growth habits. As you’ll see throughout our tour, each Dracaena type has evolved with wonderfully unique shades of green. This results from varying levels of chlorophyll production, fueled by available light in their natural habitat.
Diverse leaf variegation also results from similar processes plus additional, underlying pigments, giving us a multitude of patterns and colours to enjoy.
What they all have in common is overall plant structure. Dracaenas are commonly known as “corn plants” because of their recognizable upright stature
How To Identify A Dracaena Plant
Identifying many of these tropical beauties is easy when you know what to look for. Long, lanceolate leaves with smooth, glossy textures and strips of contrasting colour and tall, robust trunks are key features.
Some, however, are quite different. Growing in short, rounded forms or sending succulent leaves straight out from the soil. You may see them growing outdoors, in zones 10 and 11. Everywhere else, they thrive as bright and colourful houseplants. Let’s take a closer look at how Dracaenas grow in each space.
Indoor Plants
Dracaena houseplants are typically smaller than outdoor varieties. With few exceptions, leaves are generally shorter and wider, as well.
These differences in growth are usually due to their limited growing space (pots) and relatively unchanging environmental factors.
Outdoor Plants
Outdoors, Dracaenas may produce white, pink or yellow floral pom-poms. In autumn, these develop orange and red berries that adorn 20 ft tall trees.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can scorch leaves. The partial shade beneath larger trees or on a porch or patio is best.
Dracena Plant Varieties
Now for the 20 most popular and easy-to-care-for types of Dracaena. Some are better suited to temperate, outdoor environments, while others grow happily indoors.
If you’re looking to add a few to your landscape, be sure to note the mature size of each one, as well as its light and temperature requirements. This will ensure a good fit for your intended planting space and hardiness zone.
Looking for a pretty, new houseplant? Being able to accommodate your favourite Dracaena type’s light and humidity needs will encourage long-term success.
Dracaena Arborea (Dracaena Tree)
Dracaenas are close cousins to the Agave and this original Arborea shows a clear resemblance. This species plant (of natural origin, not hybridized) hails from Angola to the tropical, African wetlands. It has since made its way around the globe, establishing itself as a houseplant and patio feature in modern homes.
In zones 10 and 11, this architectural stunner will reach 15 ft high, outdoors, preferring partial sunlight. Pale green flowers may emerge that become coral-hued berries, in autumn.
In indoor pots, a single stout trunk will release a plume of long, slender, solid green leaves that reach upwards to 8 ft, at maturity.
Dracaena Deremensis ‘Hawaiian Sunshine
The soft, green variegation along each long, broad leaf gives this sunny Dracaena variety dimension and elegance. This feature developed as a random mutation on a Deremensis “Hilo Girl” and was cultivated into a new variety.
Its family name “Deremensis” was bestowed in honour of the Derema Forest in Tanzania. Its mature size of just 5 ft tall by 2.5 ft wide, makes it ideal as a houseplant.
In warm and humid climates, the Hawaiian sunshine will thrive outdoors in partial sun. In cooler zones, potted specimens should be brought indoors once temps drop below 60°F (15°C).
Dracaena Deremensis ‘Lisa’
Along the nutrient-rich riverbanks of Southeast Africa thrives the Deremensis ‘Lisa’. Growing this tree indoors, however, has proven very successful.
A lack of variegation means a consistent layer of chlorophyll cells throughout each leaf. This enables the ‘Lisa’ to thrive in lower light because not as much is needed for proper photosynthesis. Making it perfect for sprucing up a corner of your home that may not get a lot of light.
Multiple stalks emerge from the soil. Sprouting clusters of long, glossy leaves before continuing on with new stalk growth. In total, this tree can reach a mature height of 3-5 ft.
Dracaena Deremensis Warneckii (Striped Dracaena)
This hardy hybrid is the child of the original Deremensis and a Fragrans. This clever combination results in pin-stripe variegation that shifts from yellow to crisp white with increased light.
The amount of green still present on each lengthy, sword-shaped leaf indicates its tolerance for low light. However, bright, indirect light will encourage its central trunk to push the Warneckii up to a mature height of 5 ft tall with a 2 ft spread.
In nutrient-rich, outdoor soil, this Dracaena variety produces bundles of pale green flowers and small berries that are popular with warm-climate birds and other wildlife.
Dracaena Draco (Canary Islands Dragon Tree)
The Draco comes to us from the Canary Islands, where this imposing Dracaena variety can reach a towering 60 ft in height, with a 12” diameter trunk.
Considered a type of sessile succulent, multiple rosettes of narrow, elongated leaves sprout directly from atop a hefty trunk. Gradient colouration, from yellow to green to sage, give this attractive specimen personality. Especially when it releases spirals of amber, lily-scented florets from the centre of each rosette.
While native to the outdoors, the slow-growing Draco can be kept as a feature houseplant that matures to just 4 ft tall.
Dracaena Marginata (Red Edged Dracaena)
This Madagascar native offers the same tropical appeal as the Draco, but with a twist. The versatile, Red-Edged Marginata can be grown as a short houseplant or allowed to expand upward into a 6 ft tall tree with long, narrow, dark green leaves that shimmer with burgundy iridescence in bright, diffused sunlight.
Over time, lower leaves fall away, revealing thin, ringed trunks that support sprays of lush foliage. Outdoors, in zones 10 and 11, this colourful cultivar can continue on to 20 ft in height and potentially produce ribbons of tiny, white, fragrant flowers.
Dracaena Marginata ‘Tricolor’
As if the Marginata wasn’t spectacular enough, an offshoot hybrid was developed with dark and light pink, soft green and white lining each long, ribboned leaf.
As this Dracaena cultivar matures to 6 ft in height, thick, upward-reach branches form and release their own sprays.
This can be kept small with judicious pruning or allowed to grow larger. Yet, it does require more sunlight to maintain its colour vibrancy.
In low light, green chlorophyll cells will multiply more rapidly in an effort to increase photosynthesis. Resulting in greener leaves, with less pink and white.
Dracaena Fragrans (Cornstalk)
Fragrans are one of the most recognizable types of Dracaena. First appearing in tropical wetlands from South Sudan to Mozambique, this “Cornstalk” cultivar presents pendulous crowns of long, tapered leaves with pale green and yellow variegation down the centre.
These glossy crowns first sprout from atop a single, stout trunk, which continues to grow upward to a mature 6ft, in height, releasing new crowns and short, thick side branches as it goes.
In balmy, outdoor environments, the Fragrans is known to reach 20 ft tall, while producing panicles of blush pink buds and fragrant white blooms. Which, interestingly, is only open in the evening.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Dorado’
With opposing variegation patterns to the original, the Dorado displays light green and yellow colouration along the edges of each leaf.
This naturally occurring mutation is but one feature that makes this cultivar unique. Each crown is made up of undulating leaves that are shorter in length and broader than on the Cornstalk. These grow in larger numbers per crown, as well, giving this variety a fuller, thicker appearance.
Indoors, the Dorado will mature to around 5 ft with a 1.5 ft spread and fairs better in low light conditions.
Outside, this non-invasive plant works well as a foundation planting or tropical garden feature.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Janet Craig’ Compacta
The full-size Janet Craig Dracaena is a surprising natural adaptation stemming from a Deremensis Warneckii. As happens with many tree species a “dwarf” mutation will appear. Thus, the Janet Craig “compacta” was born.
Vibrant green, tufted leaves grow from the ends of tall, textured stems and have the appearance of botanical feather dusters
This dwarf Dracaena starts out as a small, 12” tall houseplant. Yet, depending on environmental conditions, can rise 3-6 ft with dense crowns of foliage growing at different heights.
In ideal conditions, this plant will occasionally send out a stalk lined with pale yellow, pom-pom flowers that have a subtle honey fragrance.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’
While categorized as a fragrance, Lemon Lime is most closely related to the Deremensis Warneckii.
Displaying a splayed, pendulous growth habit, this Dracaena variety is known for its whorled crowns of 2 ft long, lanceolate leaves with green and mottled yellow striped variegation. Hints of creamy white along the edges give this plant more dimension than others with similar patterning.
Indoors, the Lemon Lime makes an ideal houseplant, topping out at 5-7 ft. Outside, this cultivar has been known to reach 20ft, in height, in zones 10 and 11. In zones 9 or below, potted specimens should be brought inside when temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Lemon Surprise’
This type of dracaena looks like its curly leaves with grey-green and chartreuse variegation would be a natural mutation of the previous lemon-lime. But, surprise! This cultivar came from an original Cornstalk plant that just felt like doing something different.
Underlying pigments give green areas on the leaves a silver tinge, with yellow variegation leaning more toward chartreuse. The unique characteristic of this cultivar is the sinuous curling and folding behaviour of the leaves.
This captivating plant matures to 3 ft, at most, and with such a small footprint, it will fit just about anywhere in your home that offers bright, indirect sunlight.
Dracaena Fragrans’s ‘Limelight’
The Limelight Fragrans takes chartreuse all the way home. With no distinct variegation, chlorophyll cells are thinly dispersed, giving each leaf a neon green hue.
This dracaena type will thrive in low-light conditions. But, increased chlorophyll production will be triggered to support sufficient photosynthesis.
In 1988, this lighter colour was discovered as yet another natural adaptation of a Demerensis Warneckii. That particular Dracaena cultivar sure likes to shake things up!
The Limelight can be kept as a small, tabletop houseplant or allowed to gain statuesque presence, as it matures to 6 ft tall. Outdoors, in zones 10 and 11, it will continue to rise to 15 ft.
Dracaena Fragrans ‘Massangeana’
The Massangeana is a sibling of the Cornstalk Fragrans, hailing from the humid regions of Upper Guinea. Typically growing in dappled sunlight, protected by a canopy of larger trees.
In tropical environments, this can grow in large, ground-level clumps, with long, strap-like leaves displaying striped variegation in light and dark green with yellow centres. Leaves are generally longer and more densely growing than on the corn stalk Fragrans. Yet, as this matures, 3” thick trunks may develop, sprouting crowns of foliage every 12”, as they grow.
Indoors, a height of 10-15 ft may be achieved. Outdoors, the Massangeana can reach a towering 50ft, if given the room.
Dracaena Reflexa ‘Song of Jamaica’ (Song of Jamaica)
The Song of Jamaica is a natural adaptation of the Song of India Dracaena variety. While both are original to islands in the Indian Ocean around Madagascar, this lovely plant produces tight plumes of lanceolate leaves with gradient shades of green variegation.
This will grow in low light conditions. But, bright, indirect light will trigger more pronounced colour variances.
A mature height of 3-6 ft makes this cultivar a beautiful feature in any room, especially a warm, humid bathroom.
Outdoors, the Reflexa prefers a partially shaded spot in balmy environments. In colder climates, this would need to be wintered over, indoors.
Dracaena Reflexa Variegata (Song of India)
Once botanically categorized in the Pleomele genus, both the Song of Jamaica and the Song of India are now members of the Dracaena family. This move was sparked by their close relations to other known Dracaena species, as determined by detailed genetic testing.
Similar to its Jamaican sibling, the Reflexa Variegata presents long, tapered leaves that grow in clusters along comparatively thin, textured trunks that reach the same mature size.
The difference lies in its striped variegation. Vibrant green centres edged with thick, crisp white borders are reminiscent of other Dracaena varieties. While curling and undulating forms harken back to the Fragrans “Lemon Lime”.
Dracaena Sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo)
Commonly known as Lucky Bamboo, the Sanderiana is not bamboo at all. But surprisingly, a water lily and Dracaena cultivar. Without the aid of genetic identification, its ringed canes and small, tapering leaves led early botanists to associate it with other visually similar plants.
Native to Gabon and Cameroon, this easy-to-grow plant offers a big tropical appeal in miniature form.
In optimal conditions, this luck-baring plant can reach 3-5 ft in height, with an equal spread. Outdoors, can reach 8ft tall.
However, the Draena Sandariana performs best in consistently warm, well-lit, indoor spaces. Where it will typically stay within 1-2 ft tall and wide.
Dracaena Surculosa ‘Florida Beauty’ (Florida Beauty Dracaena)
The Florida Beauty presents large, green, tear-drop leaves, a mounded growing habit and heavy splashes of yellow variegation, quite different from your typical Dracaena.
Given its appearance, this Surculosa cultivar is commonly referred to as a “Gold Dust” Dracaena. Biologically though, this and the Gold Dust are two different species. This cultivar is distinguished by a more heavily “dusted” effect.
With proper care, this alluring Dracaena will reach 2 ft tall and wide as a houseplant. It should only be grown outdoors in zones 10 and 11 and in a shady location that gets just a few hours of sunlight, per day.
Dracaena Surculosa (Gold Dust)
This true Surculosa Dracaena originates from the rainforests of western Africa. As you can see, leaves on this specimen present a much lighter dusting effect, which becomes more defined in bright, indirect light. Variegation is just not as widespread as on the Florida Beauty. Care recommendations (which we’ll cover in a moment) and preferred indoor environmental conditions are the same as with its sister plant. Outdoors, in the nutrient-rich soil of warm, coastal zones, you may see fragrant white flowers and red berries appear. However, this and the Florida beauty can withstand lower temperatures than other Dracaena varieties and can be grown outdoors in zone 9.
Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
As one of the newest additions to the Dracaena family, the Trifasciata, or snake plant, (previously Sansevieria) is native to tropical regions stretching from Nigeria to the Congo.
13 different strains of snake plants are available to grow as houseplants or understory plantings in warm climates. Each has unique variegation patterns and maturity sizes. But, all have tall, succulent leaves that rise directly up from the soil without a trunk or branches.
Some form a rosette of leaves, with new ones sprouting from its centre. Others maintain a purely vertical growing habit, with new leaves sprouting and growing straight up, parallel to the root ball.
Dracaena Care Guide
What a diverse list of Dracaenas to choose from! Have you picked a favourite? I have many. So, how does one care for these beautiful botanicals? Let’s take a look at each aspect of their care requirements and preferences. This may seem like a long list, but really, helping Dracaenas thrive couldn’t be easier.
Position
When growing any one of the above Dracaena options outdoors, the partial shade will provide sufficient sunlight for proper photosynthesis, vibrant leaves and colourful variegation. Indoors, this can easily be achieved by placing plants next to an east-facing window. Or, a minimum of 6ft away from a west or south-facing window.
Temperature And Humidity
These factors are understood to be the driving forces behind a tropical plant’s mature size (have you seen how big rainforest plants get? Huge!). Dracaenas prefer temperatures between 50°- 78°F. But, will tolerate up to 95°F, as long as they’re well-watered. The exceptions are Draco, Gold dust and Florida Beauty which will tolerate slightly colder temperatures.
Watering
Cultivars with larger, thicker leaves tend to retain and use water more efficiently and thus require a deep watering (and draining) every 10 days, or so. Varieties with more tender leaves will need water every 7 days, or so, depending on the season and ambient temperature.
Soil
Dracaenas are picky, they simply need soil that’s well-draining and full of the right nutrient combination. In zones 9-11, adding some sand, perlite or vermiculite to the hole prior to planting will loosen compacted soil and provide sufficient drainage and aeration for roots. Indoors, quality potting soil will provide the same.
Fertilizing
The best Dracaena fertilizers will have an equal NPK ratio (10-10-10). This will offer paralleled support for overall health and vitality.
The Michigan University Extension suggests avoiding fertilizers with superphosphate, as this perilously increases soil acidity and will leave your Dracaena susceptible to over-absorption of fluoride. A substance often found in regular tap water.
Pruning
Some Dracaena varieties can get quite large. Pruning can keep them at a manageable size, stimulate new growth and create a fuller look for mounding types.
Yellowing leaves should be clipped from tree varieties at the point where the leaf meets the trunk or branch. Cuts made elsewhere could invite pests and disease.
Repotting
Dracaenas are slow growers. But, at some point, they will need to be repotted to avoid being root bound.
Choose a pot 1.5 times the size of its current pot to support healthy root growth and moisture and nutrient absorption. Fresh potting mix will help to prevent pest infestations and increase drainage and aeration.
Propagating Dracaena
Dracaenas are surprisingly easy to propagate. A stem cutting (including 2 leaf sets) from tree varieties can be rooted in soil or water. Surculosa and Sandariana cuttings should be snipped just below a node, as this is where roots will sprout.
Snake plant leaf cuttings can be rooted in soil. Water all cuttings well and in a month or so, new roots or shoots should appear.
Common Problems with Dracaena
Yellowing or drooping leaves on different types of Dracaena could be a sign of either overwatering (potential root rot) or too much sunlight.
When corn plants leaves turn brown simply prune them away and ensure that watering and light issues are optimal (see notes above). New leaves should begin to emerge soon after. Pest infestations may become an issue due to over/underwatering and over-fertilizing.
Pests
Scale insects and mealybugs are the most common pests you might find on your dracaena houseplants. These are typically attracted to plants that are in distress and have lost their natural protection against attacks.
If pests become an issue, neem oil spray is the best solution, as these particular pests have developed a resistance to insecticides.
Diseases
Fusarium leaf spot, leaf blight and soft rot are common fungal and bacterial diseases associated with Dracaenas.
Recognizable symptoms of leaf spot and blight include red or tan spots with yellow halos on otherwise healthy plants. Soft rot typically happens with propagated cuttings that have been overwatered or left to sit in water too long.
Root Rot
Root rot happens as a result of overwatering. This manifests as excessive yellowing and dropping of leaves. Then, a softening and drooping of the primary stems, branches and trunk.
If caught early, repot your plant in fresh, dry soil and hold off on watering for 10-4 days. This will allow the remaining roots to recover.
Final Thoughts Dracaena Plants
If you are thinking of adding a Dracaena to your houseplant collection or to your outdoor, tropical landscape, you are not short on options.
The original Arborea will add the balmy appeal of a palm, with half the size, in partially sunny indoor and outdoor spaces. Spikey Marginata varieties will do the same with vibrant and colourful variegation.
Fragrans and Reflexa cultivars combine dramatic height with a small footprint and easy care. For interesting form, colour and variegation on a small scale, Lucky Bamboo and Snake plants are the hottest tickets in town.
Types Of Dracaena Plants FAQ
Citation
Michigan University Extension – Flouride toxicity in plants
Ben's horticultural interest grew when graduating from Hertfordshire University in 1997. Having contributed to numerous publications including Better Homes & Gardens, Garden Design Magazine, and The English Garden. He is also the author of Propagating Houseplants Made Easy.
