How to Care for a Striped Dracaena
The striped dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii') gets its name from its gray, green and white striped leaves. It is also known as the Warneckii dracaena. This very hardy corn plant is easy to grow and disease resistant. Provided you don't overwater it, the plant should remain healthy and thrive with very little attention. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant striped dracaena in a shady location outside if you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 10b or 11. Otherwise, keep the plant indoors except in the summer when overnight temperatures remain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Keep Warneckii dracaena in a location that receives about four hours of direct sunlight or bright, indirect light. Areas that are four to eight feet away from a window facing south, west or east are good for striped dracaena. Light levels should be between 2000 and 3500 foot candles, but it will grow in light as low as 50 foot candles. Higher light can decrease the white stripe on the dracaena's leaves or cause round dry patches.
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Place dracaena so they are protected from drafts and cool temperatures. The nighttime temperature of the room should be above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Water plants regularly. Allow the soil to dry to the touch between waterings. Irrigate with warm water until the water runs through the bottom of the pot. Distilled water is better than tap because it does not contain fluoride, which can cause the leaves to yellow. Overwatering can cause root rot and mildew problems.
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Mist plants with warm water if its leaves develop dry tips or edges. Humidity levels below 30 percent can cause this problem.
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Fertilize at least once a month during the spring and summer. The best fertilizer for Warneckii dracaena is one with a 3-1-2 ratio (N-P2O5-K2O). This means that it contains more nitrogen (the first number) than phosphate (the second number) or potash (the third number).
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Look for signs of insect infestations. Pests that can be problems for Warneckii dracaena include fungus gnats, thrips, mealybugs, and scales. Check for insects on the soil as well as the leaves of the plant. Use a magnifying glass to inspect the underside of the leaves for insects if the plant suddenly begins losing its leaves. Loss of leaves also can be caused by drafts and overwatering.
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Tips & Warnings
Striped dracaena is poisonous to dogs and cats.
References
- Flower Shop Network.com: Striped Dracaena Plant
- Interiorscape Plants: Striped Dracaena
- Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service; Indoor Plant Care; B. Rosie Lerner
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Dracaena deremensis; Edward F. Gilman
- University of Florida IFAS Extension; Dracaena Production Guide; R.T. Poole, et al.
- Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service; Dracaena; Karen Russ
