African Dragon Tree

African Dragon Tree Dracaena arborea

What is the plant

Dracaena Arborea is a small perennial, palm-like plant belonging to the Asparagaceae family. The Dracaena genus is comprised of approximately forty species and most hail from South Africa and the Canary Islands.

All types of Dracaena plant grow naturally in a tropical setting such as Florida. Dracaena arborea is known by the following common names Dracaena Tree, African Dragon Tree, Dragon tree, Cornstalk Plant, Ribbon Plant and Corn Plant. It’s sometimes simply called Dracaena or Arborea. Dracaena means dragon, and arborea means tree-like. Place your Dragon Tree in a setting where it will have plenty of room to grow. Kept in a container indoors, Dracaena often grows to a height of 7’ – 8’ feet tall. Outdoors these plants grow to be over 10’ – 15’ feet high. Arborea provides an attractive, palm tree-like plant for home and office settings.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 24°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

Water
You may water the plant 2-4 times a month. Water close to the trunk and slowly so the water is sure to be soaked up by the central roots. Once a week, check the moisture level of the soil by poking your finger in about a half-inch. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water again.
Sunlight
These plants need good, consistent indirect lighting. Northern, Eastern or Southern exposure will all work well.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Dracaena arborea with a diluted household fertilizer monthly or at each watering. If you fertilize once monthly, dilute the solution by 50%. If you fertilize with every watering, dilute the solution to one-quarter strength. Alternately, you may wish to use fertilizer spikes or a time-release fertilizer so you do not need to fertilize with each watering.

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Soil
Arborea should be planted in light, airy, well-draining soil. Good air circulation to the roots is very important.
Temperature
These plants are comfortable in temperatures which people are comfortable as well, so they do very well in climate-controlled situations. Daytime temperatures ranging in the 70°’s degrees Fahrenheit (21°C) and where nighttime temperatures do not drop below the low 60°’s degrees Fahrenheit (15°C) are ideal. These plants are very sensitive to both hot and cold drafts.
Container
Use a container allowing for good drainage, airflow, and evaporation. It’s also important not to place your Arborea right up against the wall or in a corner.