Plant Profile: Dracaena Lisa

The Dracaena Lisa is known for its elegant and glossy leaves that have the ability to withstand a variety of environments. This houseplant has unique upright trunks that create a tropical and lively look to any place in need of green. The Dracaena Lisa is one of the few hardy and low maintenance trees that can flourish for those striving to widen their plant collection with something a bit more substantial.  

HISTORY

Before this plant was found in our offices and homes, the majority of Dracaena lisa’s were found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. The Dracaena is a part of the Asparagaceae family with a genus of over 100 species. The name “Dracaena” derives from the greek word ‘Drakaina’ meaning female dragon. The name refers to the red gum that oozes from its cousin ‘Dracaenas draco’s stems. The low maintenance aspect of this plant derives from its placement in the wild. It grows in shadier spaces beneath taller trees and borrows what sun is left from the foliage above.

SOIL

The Dracaena Lisa desires a soil that is somewhat richer while readily drained. This plant is susceptible to root rot so it’s crucial to use a mixture with perlite or bark. Bark chips will help by absorbing any excess moisture in your pot while also maintaining temperature levels when it gets too hot or too cold for the plant. If you notice that your plant has browning tips, this is typically a sign that your soil is too moist. When this happens, empty your plant from any excess water and cut back on watering a few days longer than before. You will also want to use a mix with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Fox farm soils are ideal for this level and helps in retaining fertilizer when added in spring and summer.

POTTING + WATERING

When it’s time to pot or re pot your Dracaena Lisa, every 18-24 months should keep your plant producing growth. When purchasing a new pot, you will want one a few inches larger than your current container so that the roots don’t absorb more water than needed. You can also opt to keep your Dracaena in the same pot and add new soil to the bottom and top. When repotting, make sure to trim any roots that may look rotted or overgrown. 

The most important part in watering your Dracaena is feeling the bottom of your plant to see if the roots are still wet or are sitting in water. A clear sign of overwatering could be that your foliage begins to turn yellow. When you see this sign, it’s important to cut back and/or consider the kind of water you are using.

ENVIRONMENT

The Dracaena Lisa is native to climates that are subtropical, meaning they prefer an environment that is slightly warmer. The optimal area in your home for the or Dracaena is one with indirect sunlight for at least 4 hours per day. You can also boost your plant’s growth with artificial lights or grow lights. Given that the Dracaena is from warmer areas, you’ll want your plant to stay above 60 degrees fahrenheit to keep it from shock. Misting this plant will also help in creating a more humid and habitable environment during the dryer months.

…DID YOU KNOW?

Dracaena Lisa’s are sensitive to fluoride and prefer water that has been filtered. To keep your water clean, you can leave your tap water out overnight to help release any fluoride. If given the opportunity, utilizing rainwater is a great option for the Dracaena as it is slightly more acidic and helps to increase nutrient intake for your plant.