Dracaena goldieana

About goldieana

Dracaena goldieana is a small, rhizomatous understory shrub or subshrub native to Nigeria and western Central Africa, usually 30 to 60 cm tall with a slender stem up to about 1 cm thick. Its ovate leaves are 18 to 30 cm long and up to 6.5 cm wide, end in a thread-like tip and remain along the whole length of the stem. They are glossy dark green with transverse bands of light gray to silver. Small, fragrant white flowers are stalkless and borne in dense clusters. The plant grows slowly and is cultivated as an ornamental foliage plant, outdoors in tropical climates and indoors elsewhere. It has also been placed in the genus Pleomele as Pleomele goldieana. The plant contains saponins and can cause vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite and diarrhea in dogs and cats if eaten.

Care Guide

LightBright Indirect

WateringModerate (When Dry)

Temperature12℃〜

HumidityHigh

Care Tips

Grow in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sun scorches the leaves. Use a moisture-retentive but well-drained potting mix rich in organic matter, and water when the top 2 to 3 cm of the mix has dried. Overwatering causes root rot. The plant is sensitive to salts, chlorine and fluoride in tap water, so rainwater, filtered water or tap water left to stand for a day is preferable. It needs moderate to high humidity, and sudden drops in humidity can cause the leaf tips to brown. It does not tolerate frost or cold drafts. Keep it at 12°C or above in winter, the minimum generally recommended for dracaenas, and water less in cold weather. Propagate by stem cuttings. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.