Lucky Plant / Brazil Wood
Dracaena fragrans
A woody cane stem topped with glossy green, lance-shaped leaves emerging from the nodes. The specimen is commonly sold as a truncated log section rooted in water.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day. Avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorching.
- Water
- When grown in water, keep the water level high enough to submerge the roots, replacing it weekly. When planted in soil, water thoroughly when the top two inches become dry.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen shrub with a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching a mature indoor height of 3 to 6 feet.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight and keep the base submerged in clean water or plant in well-draining potting mix. Change the water weekly if grown hydroponically to prevent stagnation.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours per day. Avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorching.
Watering
When grown in water, keep the water level high enough to submerge the roots, replacing it weekly. When planted in soil, water thoroughly when the top two inches become dry.
Soil
Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10 to 12, grown indoors in cooler climates.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen shrub with a slow to moderate growth rate, reaching a mature indoor height of 3 to 6 feet.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; fragrant white flowers may appear on mature plants in their native outdoor habitat.
Propagation
Propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature canes and rooting them in water or moist propagation media.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Leaf tip browning can occur from fluoridated tap water or low humidity.
Similar species
Dracaena deremensis, distinguished by narrower leaves and different striping patterns.