Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime'
Architectural plant with a woody trunk crowned by rosettes of striped lime-green and dark-green leaves. Also called the corn plant for its resemblance to sweetcorn foliage. Very effective at filtering indoor air pollutants.
Best rooms for dracaena
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for dracaena
Tolerates low light but variegation is best in bright indirect light. Water only when the top half of the compost has dried out — overwatering is the most common killer. Sensitive to fluoride in tap water; use filtered or rainwater. Feed every 6-8 weeks spring-summer. Minimum 15°C.
Watering
Let the compost dry out completely between waterings. Roughly every 2–4 weeks.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings
- Air layering
- Tip cuttings
Toxicity
Contains saponins. Causes vomiting, excessive drooling, and dilated pupils in cats and dogs.
Common problems
- Brown leaf tips from fluoride in tap water
- Yellow leaves from overwatering
- Leaf loss from cold draughts
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