About
Dracaena sanderiana (v), the Belgian evergreen, is a slender, erect, evergreen shrub with cane-like stems and shining, green leaves with longitudinal white or cream stripes. One of the easiest and most adaptable of all houseplants, widely grown and sometimes known as 'lucky bamboo' when grown in water.
About the genus
Dracaena are evergreen trees and shrubs with few branches bearing linear to lance-shaped leaves often crowded towards the tips. On mature plants, small greenish-white flowers may be followed by orange or red berries. Bold and architectural plants for conservatories, frost-free gardens and as houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toCongo
ToxicityPets (dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in pots of peat-free, loam-based compost in a bright spot with protection from hot, direct sun. See Dracaena and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning necessary, unless growth is weak, in which case cut the plant back hard in spring
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free