About
This tropical evergreen shrub, with slender, upright stems to 3m high. Leaves are glossy, narrowly oval and sometimes blotched with white. Mature plants sometimes produce long clusters of small greenish-white flowers, followed by round, bright red berries.
About the genus
Dracaena are evergreen trees, the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toTrop. W Africa
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 peat-free, loam-based potting compost, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately in the growing season, preferably with rainwater as plants dislike tapwater. Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly in the growing season; water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring. See Dracaena for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown at 18-20°C in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings in late spring to early summer; bottom heat may be required for rooting
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite, thrips and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free