Song of India
Dracaena reflexa
An evergreen shrub or small tree featuring a slender upright woody stem and spiral arrangements of lanceolate, glossy green leaves adorned with vibrant yellowish-green or cream-colored marginal stripes.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh, direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Maintain moderate moisture during growing months and reduce frequency in winter. Yellowing lower leaves or soft stems can indicate overwatering, while crispy tips suggest underwatering or low humidity.
- Growth
- Perennial shrub with an upright, branching growth habit. Indoors, it typically reaches 3 to 6 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, exhibiting a slow to moderate growth rate.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, allowing the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Plant in a well-draining, loamy potting mix and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer active growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh, direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feel dry. Maintain moderate moisture during growing months and reduce frequency in winter. Yellowing lower leaves or soft stems can indicate overwatering, while crispy tips suggest underwatering or low humidity.
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with good aeration, ideally maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10 through 11; sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.
Growth habit
Perennial shrub with an upright, branching growth habit. Indoors, it typically reaches 3 to 6 feet in height with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, exhibiting a slow to moderate growth rate.
Bloom season
Inconspicuous, small white flowers clustered in panicles occasionally appear during spring, though rare when grown indoors as a potted specimen.
Propagation
Easily propagated through stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, which can be rooted in water or directly in moist potting medium.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs, which can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf tip browning often results from dry air, fluorinated tap water, or irregular watering schedules.
Similar species
Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant), which has wider, broader leaves without the distinct curved shape and margin coloration of Dracaena reflexa.