Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Dracaena goldieana, commonly known as Zebra Striped Dragon Tree or Queen of Dracaenas. This plant belongs to the Asparagaceae plant family along with lilies, snake plants, spider plants, and hosta. Dracaena goldieana is native to Central Africa and Nigeria and is known for its striped green and white foliage. If you are lucky, Zebra Striped Draceana will produce fragrant white flowers that open at night. Truly a statement plant for your collection.

Let’s talk about care. Dracaena are known for their ease of care and love bright, indirect light. The right amount of light ensures maximum expression of leaf variegation. Direct sun can cause browning on foliage, while lack of light leads to slowed growth and sometimes root rot. When repotting, we recommend using Sol Soils Houseplant Mix, a nice chunky mix with ample drainage. Water your Dracaena when the top 3-4 inches of soil have dried down. Soil should be evenly moist, but never waterlogged. Consider using distilled water with added fertilizer to avoid brown tips as Dracaena are susceptible to chlorine and fluoride toxicity. Another option is to let water stand for 24 hours to allow these additives to evaporate from the water. As an understory plant in tropical regions, this plant will thrive with added humidity. Keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs, scale, and spider mites. Check for pests weekly when watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

We currently carry Dracaena goldieana at the greenhouse in 4” pots. If you have further questions feel free to reach out to us by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy planting