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Dracaena reflexa is an evergreen tree native to Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Indian Ocean islands. It features lanceolate, dark green leaves arranged in tight spirals around thick, irregular stems, forming an open oval crown. The plant grows slowly, reaching 4–5 m in ideal outdoor conditions but remains smaller as a houseplant. Notable for its richly colored foliage and tolerance of indoor conditions, it produces small, fragrant white flowers in mid-winter, though these are not showy.
Plant Care Overview
Care Guide
Essential requirements for your Dracaena reflexa
Light Requirements
Bright, filtered light without direct sun exposure
Light conditions can affect leaf color and growth rate. Adjust placement as needed based on your plant's response.
Watering Schedule
Infrequent watering; allow soil to dry between sessions
Humidity Needs
medium humidity
Always check soil moisture before watering. Adjust frequency based on your home's conditions.
Temperature Range
18–25°C (64–77°F) indoors; hardy in zones 10–11 outdoors
Native Climate
Native to Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Indian Ocean islands
Keep away from drafts, heaters, and air conditioners which can stress your plant.
Soil Type
Well-draining potting mix
Fertilizer
Balanced houseplant fertilizer during growing season
Consider repotting every 1-2 years to refresh soil nutrients and accommodate growth.
Propagation
Methods to grow more Dracaena reflexa plants
Herbaceous stem cuttings
Plant Info
Characteristics and background information
Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Indian Ocean islands
slow
Up to 4–5 m outdoors, typically 1.5–3 m as a houseplant
Perennial
Pet safety unknown
Bloom Season
Mid-winter
Flower Description
Small, clustered white flowers with intense fragrance; not visually prominent
Fun Fact
Traditional Malagasy healers use Dracaena reflexa in herbal remedies for malaria and dysentery, though its medicinal properties remain unverified.
Troubleshooting
Solutions for typical issues with your Dracaena reflexa
Yellowing leaves, soft stems, and root rot due to waterlogged soil
Spindly stems and sparse foliage from insufficient light
Varieties
Different varieties of Dracaena reflexa
Variegated cultivar with cream and yellow-green leaf margins
Shrubby variety with thin, linear leaves edged in red
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Care Guides
Detailed guides for caring for your Dracaena reflexa
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