Dracaena Plant: Types, Benefits, and Care Tips
Dracaena, deriving from the word "Drakina,” which means female dragon. People link its red stems to the colour of a dragon’s blood. Fascinating, right?
With almost 150 varieties, this evergreen plant with beautiful foliage is a bestseller and most plant parent’s favourites. They come in both shrubs and trees, and several species are used as common house plants. Heard of Lucky Bamboo? That’s a species of Dracaena! Thinking of Song of India? Again, a Dracaena! And the most surprising one, Snake Plant, is a dracaena too!
And you might wonder, Is dracaena a good indoor plant?
I have several reasons to convince you that they are.
Air purification: Like many other houseplants, these plants can help purify air at your home and workplace. They filter out harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, making it easier to breathe, especially if you live in Delhi, NCR.
Hard to kill: This plant is easily every lazy gardener's dream plant. They don’t need a lot of care; they survive in low sunlight, and they are tolerant of dry conditions. They can easily blend in and be a perfect addition to your home.
Home Decor Plants: With their leaves and different colours like red, purple, green, and yellow, they instantly make your home beautiful. It’s a plant that solves many purposes.
Mood-Boosting Plant: Studies suggest that being around plants and/or having plants in our workspace increases our mood and improves our productivity.
Now let’s talk about some popular varieties of Dracaena
1. Dracaena trifasciata, AKA Snake Plant, also known as Mother-Inlaw’s Tongue, our favourite, is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant known for its tall, upright leaves with striking green patterns and yellow edges. It is one of those plants that can grow in full sunlight or no sunlight at all and is one of the best air-purifying plants, removing toxins from the air around us like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. Additionally, it releases oxygen at night, making it an excellent bedroom plant for improving air quality while you sleep. Its sleek, modern look makes it a stylish addition to homes and offices alike.
2. Dracaena Braunii, commonly known as Lucky Bamboo, is a popular indoor plant often gifted for good fortune and positive energy in Vastu Shashtra as well as Feng Shui. Despite its name, it is not a true bamboo but belongs to the Dracaena family. It features slender, green stalks that can be grown in water and soil, making it highly adaptable. Lucky bamboo is often arranged in decorative patterns and will bring prosperity, health, and harmony to its surroundings.
3. The Corn Plant, or Dracaena Fragrans, is a common indoor plant that is distinguished by its tall, arching green leaves with light green or yellow stripes down the middle. It is a favourite in homes and workplaces because it is native to tropical Africa, grows well in low to moderate light, and requires little care. This plant is prized for its ability to filter the air, assisting in the elimination of interior pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. It likes warm weather, well-draining soil, and infrequent irrigation. Dracaena Fragrans is a great option for bringing greenery into any area because of its lush, tropical appearance and adaptability to many situations.
4. Dracaena Reflexa, commonly known as the Song of India, is a stunning ornamental plant prized for its dense, spirally arranged leaves with green and yellow variegation. Native to Madagascar and nearby islands, this slow-growing plant grows well in bright, indirect light but can survive in lower light conditions. It requires moderate watering and prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Dracaena Reflexa is known for its air-purifying abilities, helping to remove indoor toxins and improve air quality. It offers so much that it makes an amazing choice for your home and workspace.
How to take care of Dracaena?
Don't worry if you're not a plant expert. Dracaenas are super forgiving and beginner-friendly plants, but here’s how you can take care of them:
- Light: They’re not picky. Bright spots without direct sun work best, but they can hang out in shadier spots too.
- Water: Water them only when the top layer of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering because that can cause root rot.
- Temperature: Keep them comfy between 18°C & 24°C, and they’re golden.
- Pruning & Cleaning: Snip off any sad-looking leaves & wipe the dust off now & then to keep them looking fresh.
Wrap-Up
I hope I have convinced you enough why this plant is amazing for your home, so why not bring a Dracaena plants into your life? They’re easy to care for, they clean your air, and they can totally transform the look & feel of your home. I’ve got a few around my place, and honestly, they make every room better. Give them a try, and maybe you’ll fall for them just like I did!
Happy gardening, folks! Do comment if you have any questions!
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