Types of Dracaena Plants (Dracaena Varieties Guide)

There are many types of Dracaena plants and in this article, we’ll cover all of them. Dracaena plants, which are tropical shrubs and trees, are very popular houseplants. Dracaena indoor varieties thrive in low to high light and are drought-tolerant.

The most common dracaena houseplants have upright, woody stems and long pointed, arching, lanceolate leaves. They also have bushy foliage. Smaller dracaena species are great for tabletops while larger varieties are good for floors.

There are many varieties of dracaena with interesting growth habits and leaves. Some dracaena leaves have long, glossy green leaves with reddish edges. Some species have large shiny leaves with interesting variegation patterns or yellow stripes. Many mature dracaenas look small indoor trees.

This article will provide information on the most common varieties of dracaena plants that can be used to enhance your interior. These low-maintenance houseplants are easy to maintain.

Dracaena Facts

Dracaena plants are believed to derive their names from the Greek word for “female dragon” in Greek. Dracaena plants are sometimes called dragon plants or trees because of this fact. Some types of dracaena plants are also known as corn plants, cane, cornstalk, dracaena and ribbon plants.

Did you know that many species are dracaenas help to purify the air? NASA studies have shown that Dracaena deremensis and Dracaena margarata, Dracaena Warneckei, Dracaena massangeana, Dracaena massangeana, and Dracaena Warneckei’ help to remove some toxic substances from the air. Toluene, formaldehyde and xylene are just a few of the hazardous chemicals that dracaena plants can remove from the air.

Dracaena varieties are among the most shade-tolerant houseplants. You can also neglect them and they will still thrive in drought.

Types of Dracaena Plants

Dracaena plants with the most popularity are Dracaena deremensis (Janet Craig), the Dracaena warneckii (Warneckii) Dracaena, with long, green leaves and spiky appearance, the Red-Edged Dracaena Margata, with red and green foliage, and the Dracaena reflexa, ‘Song of India,’ with pointed yellow and green leaf.

Dracaena sereniana, also known as Lucky Bamboo, is another popular species of Dracaena. This plant is a Dracaena sanderiana, which looks almost like bamboo. This auspicious plant has a curly top and a few leaves. This plant can grow in water and without soil.

Let’s take a closer look at common dracaena varieties that you can grow at your home.

There are 120 different species in the Dracaena genus. The smallest is only a few feet tall, while the largest can reach several stories in height. They all have lush, green foliage, despite their different shapes and sizes.

Most dracaena species are native to Africa, Southern Asia and parts of Northern Australia. Two species call Central America their home. The dracaena plant is a popular houseplant and can be found in many homes and offices all over the globe.

Dracaena Fragrans (syn. Dracaena Deremensis)

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Dracaena fragrans, also known as Dracaena deremensis or corn plant dracaena, is a common houseplant that has broad, dark green leaves with bushy foliage. This dracaena plant can grow well in indirect lighting and is very adaptable to shade. Dracaena fragrans has many wonderful cultivars.

Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’

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Dracaena “Janet Craig” plants can grow up to 3 feet (1 m) indoors

The shrubby-flowering dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ dracaena has glossy, dark-green leaves. Its leaves can grow to up to 24 inches (60 cm), and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in width. The stem is covered by arching, lance-shaped leaves. The tree-like plant becomes taller and thicker as it matures.

Dracaena “Janet Craig” flowers have clusters of white, fragrant flowers that grow on one thick stem. Indoor dracaena varieties only bloom indoors in optimal conditions.

Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ Compacta

Dracaena Compacta ‘Janet Craig’ Compacta is a slow-growing plant. It is also known as ‘Pineapple Dracaena’ and ‘Dracaena Compacta.

The compacta dracaena cultivar ‘Janet Craig” Compacta is a great bedroom plant because it can tolerate low light. This dwarf dracaena variety is smaller and has shorter leaves than its larger counterpart. The compact, dark-green leaves are characterized by their thick, glossy growth. They also grow in a rosette around the cane.

The ‘Janet Craig Compacta is slow-growing, like most species of dracaena. The soil can be watered only when it is dry.

Lemon Surprise Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans “Lemon Surprise”)

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The variegated leaves in ‘Lemon Surprise” dracaena have a slight twist to them

The dracaena ‘Lemon Surprise” plants have beautiful variegated leaves in vivid shades of lime green with a darker center and thin white stripes. This makes the cane plant truly unique because of its pointed leaves and twisting growth.

The ‘Lemon Surprise dracaena plants can grow to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) shorter than the Lemon Lime cultivar. Although it prefers direct sunlight, ‘Lemon Surprise” dracaena can tolerate less intense light.

Lemon Lime Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Lemon Lime’)

Dracaena “Lemon Lime” has variegated leaves that have lime green edges and thick white stripes in its center.

The stunning ‘Lemon Lime dracaena’ has brilliantly-colored green and yellow leaves, with thin white stripes that separate them. The lanceolate leaves are long and have a green band at the center with a lime-striped edge and golden yellow. The central wood stem is the center of the lemon-lime leaf growth.

Like many dracaena types, the ‘Lemon Lime’ plant can grow well in low light. This plant’s cheerful leaves are ideal for brightening any room or corner that is shaded. The height of ‘Lemon Lime dracaena is between 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m).

Warneckii Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Warneckii’)

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Warneckii Dracaena plants have dark green leaves and white stripes

Warneckii is one of most well-known varieties of variegated dragon plants. This dracaena is characterized by its long, sword-shaped, green leaves and wide creamy-white stripes. This houseplant is easy to care for and can thrive in either low or indirect bright lighting. Dracaena Warneckii can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) high and looks almost like an indoor tree.

The dracaena ‘Warneckii” grows well at room temperatures between 60degF and 80degF (16degC to 27Cdeg). Dracaena can be grown outdoors, provided that the temperature does not drop below 55°F (13°F).

Limelight Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Limelight’)

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Limelight dracaena is a bright lime-green dracaena

Their light electric lime-green leaves are the most striking feature of ‘Limelight” dracaena species. This dracaena variety is one of the most fascinating cane plants. Its unusual leaf color almost looks translucent green. Even in full to partial shade, the lime-green leaves will keep their color.

Indoors, ‘Limelight” dracaena plants can grow to up to 5 feet (1.5 m). The potting mix should be kept moist but not too wet.

Dracaena Lisa (Dracaena fragrans ‘Lisa’)

The ‘Lisa” dracaena plant is one of the most durable houseplants. This cane plant is easily mistaken for the ‘Janet Craig cultivar because of its dark, glossy, and lance-shaped leaves. However, Dracaena Lisa’s leaves are much more narrow. Low light tolerance is the strongest trait of all Dracaena fragrans cultivars. The dracaena leaves of ‘Lisa,’ unlike other dracaena varieties, grow upwards with slight curling at their leaf tips.

Dorado Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Dorado’)

The dracaena ‘Dorado” is a shade-loving houseplant that has broad, arching green leaves. The slightly variegated leaves of the dracaena are green with thin yellow margins. Dracaena fragrans cultivars have dracaena leaves that are shorter than the twisting dracaena.

Hawaiian Sunshine Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans ‘Hawaiian Sunshine’)

The dracaena ‘Hawaiian Sunshine” plants are a great way to add visual interest to dull corners. They have upright growth and can be used as accent plants. The glossy, green-striped dracaena leaf has darker green edges with a light, lime green stripe running down its center. All dracaena species are low-light houseplants. However, they do better in indirect, bright light.

Other Dracaena fragrans cultivars

Dracaena fragrans “Lindenii” – The corn tree has shiny, sword-like leaves with yellow edges.

Dracaena fragrans “Victoria” – This corn plant cultivar bears a thick yellow border in the middle of its green leaves, much like dracaena massangeana.

Dracaena fragrans “Bausei” – The dark green leaves of this cornplant have white stripes in their center.

Dracaena Massangeana (Mass Cane)

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Dracaena massangeana prefers indirect light, but can tolerate low light.

The Dracaena Massangeana, also known as the mass cane or corn plant, is one of the most popular dracaenas. This dracaena variety features a thick, woody stem and bushy green or lime green leaves. The pointed sword-shaped leaves are covered in green stripes. Mass cane plants can be grown indoors in pots between 4 and 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) high.

Dracaena Marginata, Red Edged Dracaena/Dragon Tree

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Dracaena Margata plants have red edges and green leaves.

The Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata), has beautiful, thin, tapered green leaves that give the dragon tree its spiky appearance. The long, straight leaves are most common. Only the longest have an arching edge. The stem of this dragon tree species is a thin, upright stem that branches out into individual upward-growing stems.

These dracaena plants are known by their common name, ‘Red-Edged.’ They have red-edged dracaena leaves. Dracaena margarita can also be called Pleomele or Straight-Marginated Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon tree, Dragon Blood tree and Red-Margined Dracaena. This dracaena species is also known by the botanical name “DracaenaReflexa var. angustifolia.’

Dracaena margarita cultivars can be stunning indoor houseplants in low light conditions. Let’s take the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful examples, Dracaena margarata ‘Tricolor.

Dracaena Marginata ‘Tricolor’

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Dracaena Marginata “Tricolor” has ornamental leaves with green, cream, and pinkish-red foliage

The ‘Dracaena Cicuta’ is also known as the ‘Tricolor Madagascar dragon tree. It has narrow, ribbon-like leaves with cream, green and pinkish-red stripes. The center is covered in green and cream, while the edges are adorned with pronounced red stripes. This unusual combination gives the ‘Tricolor dracaena a pink appearance.

Dracaena Reflexa

Dracaena Reflexa is a broad-leaved, pointed Dracaena

Dracaena reflexa, an ornamental plant, has multiple stems. The dracaena is well-known for its thick, woody stems, shiny, evergreen leaves, and richly-colored, richly-colored, lush foliage. Dracaena reflexa is a tall plant with pointed glossy leaves that grow spirally on stems. Pleomele is another name for this dracaena species.

The ‘Song of India’ is the best example of a variegated Dracaena Reflexa cultivar.

Dracaena Song Of India (Dracaena Resflexa ‘Variegata’)

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Dracaena Song from India has variegated yellowish and green leaves

Due to its green and yellow-cream foliage, the Song of India dracaena ornamental houseplant is spectacular. The variegated sword-shaped leaves are arranged in groups of three to four along the straight stem. The leaves of Song of India have a thick, green band at the center and light yellow margins.

Song of India’s leaves are also reflexed, meaning that they bend at 90 degrees in the middle. They will also produce white flower clusters and orange-red berries when the dracaena flowers indoors on rare occasions.

Song of Jamaica (Dracaena Reflexa “Song of Jamaica”)

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Song of Jamaica is a multi-stemmed, dracaena plant that has lime-green variegation and darker green variegation. Although the Song of India has vibrant and colorful leaves, this attractive plant isn’t as striking. This dracaena’s bright green leaves and low tolerance to light mean that it can brighten up any space.

Florida Beauty Dracaena (Dracaena Surculosa ‘Florida Beauty’)

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Florida Beauty dracaena features decorative variegated leaves with creamy-white blotches.

The ‘Florida Beauty dracaena plants, a unique species, have rounded leaves instead of sword-shaped. Their variegated leaves are the most striking feature of ‘Florida Beauty dracaenas. The leaves are green with splotches of creamy-white. These oval leaves are rounded at the tips.

Dracaena Surculosa Florida Beauty is a multi-stemmed dracaena species with many upright, woody stems. This dracaena species can also be called Gold Dust, Spotted Dracaena and Gold Dust Dracaena.

To improve the appearance of this dracaena plant, prune any dead or dying leaves.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana).

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Example of dracaena Sanderiana.

Lucky bamboo is a type Dracaena plant that has thick, light-green stems and lanceolate leaves. These stalks, which look like a cane, are often sold with curled ends and a few growing leaves. Lucky bamboo plants are hardy and can grow in soilless mixtures or in water.

Lucky bamboo is a very popular indoor plant in Asia, where it is believed to bring good fortune. This plant is not a member the bamboo family, despite its common name. The bamboo-like stems, which grow straight and upright, give it its name.

The Dracaena Sanderiana is also known as Curly Bamboo and Chinese Water Bamboo.

Dracaena Arborea

Dracaena arborea can grow to 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) high

The Dracaena Arborea, also known as the Slender Dragon Tree is a straight-stemmed woody stem with spiky leaves at the top. These dragon trees often branch with multiple branches. The crown is a long, straight-leafing lance-shaped leaf that grows straight.

Dracaena Trifasciata

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Dracaena Trifasciata is known as “snake plants” in the genus Sansevieria, which was changed to Dracaena in 2017.

Dracaena Trifasciata, a stemless type dracaena plant, has long thick variegated blade-shaped leaves. You may mistakenly believe that this dracaena species is the Sansevieria Trifasciata, a snake plant. These succulent-like plants belonged in the Sansevieria genus until 2017. They are now called dracaena, but the classification has been changed.

The Dracaena Trifasciata is also known by other names, such as mother-in-law’s mouth, viper’s Bowstring Hemp, and St. George’s Sword.

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Dracaena Plants: Benefits and Uses

Improve the Air Quality

Green plants are good for oxygen replenishment and purification. Dracaena plants have the greatest benefits for indoor air quality. NASA’s Clean Air Study has shown that dracaena plants can reduce benzene and formaldehyde as well as trichloroethylene, toluene, xylene, carbon dioxide, and trichloroethylene from indoor air quality.

Ornamental Use

Dracaena plants can be used for ornamental purposes. Dracaena plants can be used in a variety of design schemes because they are versatile and come in many different sizes. To add visual interest to a corner, use a taller variety, or a fuller cultivar, to balance out furniture. Use compact dracaenas to accent tables and desks.

Varnish and dyes

Certain dracaena species have a unique red sap. The red sap has been used as a varnish and dye for centuries. It is believed to be responsible for Stradivarius’ red color.

Dracaena – Care Guide

All varieties of dracaena are easy to maintain, but there are some important care tips that you need to know. These tips will ensure that your dracaena plants grow indoors for many years, giving you beautiful green leaves to match your decor.

This is a short care guide to growing Dracaena plants.

Dracaena light requirements

All types of dracaena plant thrive in indirect, bright light. Avoid placing your houseplant in direct sun. Dracaenas can also thrive in low-light areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and rooms facing north.

Dracaena soil

Your dracaena potting soil should be loose, rich in organic material and well-drained. One part peat moss, one half houseplant soil and one part perlite is the ideal dracaena pot soil. This soil mixture provides nutrients and allows excess water to drain quickly.

Dracaena watering requirements

Water dracaena plants only when half the potting soil has dried. You can water ornamental houseplants by thoroughly watering the soil. Water should run out of the bottom of the pot. Wait until the water runs out completely.

Dracaena temperature & humidity

Dracaena can thrive in normal room temperatures and does not require high humidity. These tropical plants can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10, 11 and 12.