Dracaena

Dracaena spp.

1. Identification and origin

The dracaena (Dracaena spp.) is a genus of the Asparagaceae family that includes various ornamental species widely used indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate. The most cultivated species include Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl., Dracaena marginata Lam., Dracaena reflexa Lam. and Dracaena sanderiana Sander. They are native to Africa, Madagascar, tropical Asia and Indian Ocean islands. They are characterised by their elegant habit, decorative leaves and high tolerance to indoor conditions.

2. Economic importance

The dracaena is one of the most commercialised indoor ornamental plants worldwide. It is valued for its high resistance, low maintenance and great diversity of leaf forms and colours. It has a strong presence in the market for potted plants, interior decoration, offices and commercial spaces.

3. Botanical characterisation

Shrubby or tree-like plants, with woody or semi-woody stems. The leaves are persistent, linear or lanceolate, often variegated. The inflorescences are panicles with small fragrant flowers, although rarely observed in indoor cultivation. The root system is robust, tolerant of some dryness, but sensitive to waterlogging.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers semi-shade or filtered-light environments; it tolerates low light. Optimal temperatures between 18–25 °C; sensitive to cold below 10 °C. It requires well-drained substrates, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Irrigation should be moderate, avoiding waterlogging, which favours root rots.

5. Main pests

• Scale insects (Coccoidea): sap sucking and honeydew production.
• Aphids (Aphididae): leaf deformations and transmission of viruses.
• Mites (Tetranychidae): chlorosis and loss of vigour.
• Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis): damage to young leaves.

6. Main diseases

• Root rots (Phytophthora spp., Pythium spp.): wilting and death of plants.
• Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.): necrotic leaf spots.
• Leaf spot caused by Fusarium spp.: necrosis and yellowing.
• Bacterial rot (Erwinia spp.): wet rot under conditions of excess water.

7. General crop management

Management includes the use of well-drained substrates and moderate irrigation. Adequate ventilation reduces the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases. Regular cleaning of the leaves helps prevent pests such as scale insects and mites. Avoid cold draughts and direct exposure to intense sun. Fertilisation should be balanced, avoiding excesses that favour leaf burn.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Dracaena spp.
• CABI Crop Compendium – Dracaena spp.
• Huxley, A. (1992). The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan.
• Chen, J., Henny, R. J., & McConnell, D. B. (2005). Ornamental foliage plants: Improvement, production and protection. University of Florida.
• FAO (2011). Tropical ornamental plant production guidelines – Dracaena spp. FAO Plant Production and Protection Division.