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fragrant dracaena (Dracaena fragrans)

Dracaena fragrans is a perennial evergreen, ranging from an upright shrub to a small tree and usually capable of forming multiple stems. 'Compacta' is a more compact, dwarf cultivar.

LightBright to moderate filtered light is best for indoor cultivation, with strong direct sunlight avoided; the species also tolerates lower light, and green-leaved forms are generally more shade-tolerant than variegated form
WaterKeep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, reduce watering in winter, and water after the surface has dried slightly; containers should have drainage holes.
TemperatureSources differ around a lower temperature of about 15 °C, while a single source reports an upper temperature of about 24 °C. Sources differ on its hardiness-zone classification. It is reported to tolerate brief light fro
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fragrant dracaena illustration

Overview

Dracaena fragrans is a perennial evergreen, ranging from an upright shrub to a small tree and usually capable of forming multiple stems. 'Compacta' is a more compact, dwarf cultivar.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ in describing its native range across tropical Africa, including western, eastern, central, and southern parts of the continent. It is reported from tropical African highland habitats. It is associated with tropical, frost-free to warm conditions and is suitable as a houseplant or for outdoor cultivation in suitably warm areas.

Characteristics

Sources differ, placing mature height at about 150–250 cm, while a single source reports a mature spread of about 10–50 cm. Growth is slow, and the leaves are reported to be glossy green and lance-shaped to strap-shaped; 'Compacta' has smaller, flatter, slightly pointed, darker leaves that are densely arranged into a compact form. The flowers are reported to be white to greenish white and strongly fragrant, borne by the species in large panicles with a lobed corolla; flowering is rare indoors, and sources differ regarding flowering season. The fruit is an orange-red to red berry that can contain several seeds.

Light

Bright to moderate filtered light is best for indoor cultivation, with strong direct sunlight avoided; the species also tolerates lower light, and green-leaved forms are generally more shade-tolerant than variegated forms.

Watering

Keep the growing medium moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, reduce watering in winter, and water after the surface has dried slightly; containers should have drainage holes.

Temperature and dormancy

Sources differ around a lower temperature of about 15 °C, while a single source reports an upper temperature of about 24 °C. Sources differ on its hardiness-zone classification. It is reported to tolerate brief light frost.

Growing medium and mounting

Use a well-drained potting medium; loam-based media are suitable, and loamy or sandy soils with acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions are listed.

Feeding

A single source recommends applying a balanced liquid fertilizer regularly during the growing season.

Propagation

Propagation can be by stem sections, semi-ripe cuttings, or seed; old stems can be cut into sections and placed in moist medium, and layering is also reported.

Common problems

Potential pests include scale insects, greenhouse red spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs, with longtailed mealybugs and greenhouse banded thrips also listed. It is generally reported to have few disease problems. A single source reports that excessive light may scorch leaves, low light may produce narrower leaves, and leaf tips may turn brown. It prefers frost-free, warm conditions and is sensitive to cold, with young plants particularly needing protection from cold.

Identification

'Compacta' is reported to be more compact than typical Dracaena fragrans, with smaller, flatter, slightly pointed leaves concentrated at the stem tips, giving it an upright, densely leafy appearance.

Photos

Dracaena fragrans
📷 Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Dracaena fragrans
📷 no rights reserved, uploaded by maryury · CC0 · source

Sources