Find Your Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Basic Plant Care
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) is a popular small house and office plant that produces dark gray-green leaves that are long with narrow lighter streaks, dark green margins and longitudinal white stripes. Caring for Dracaena deremensis is easy enough for beginners. Requiring only moderate watering and occasional fertilization, Dracaena deremensis plants are an excellent addition to any home.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Light Requirements
Dracaena deremensis plants thrive in bright filtered to low light conditions. Standard room temperatures provide the best atmosphere for Dracaena deremensis, also known as striped Dracaena. Do not position Dracaena houseplants near windows or doors that are frequently opened. Avoid drafty areas or positions near air vents.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Water Requirements
Dracaena deremensis care involves keeping the soil of plants evenly moist. Maintain an environment of medium humidity. Take care not to overwater Dracaena houseplants which can lead to root rot and other fungal problems or various performance problems such as browning leaves. Frequently misting the plants with warm water will help maintain a humid atmosphere without overwatering the soil surrounding the roots. If using tap water, let stand until room temperature to reduce the presence of chlorine and other heavy chemicals. Also avoid watering or misting with water that contains large amounts of lime as this may cause leaf stain.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Fertilizer Requirements
Young Dracaena deremensis plants should be fertilized twice monthly with a balanced (20-20-20) liquid fertilizer. Another option is to reduce the fertilizer to half strength for twice weekly watering or quarter strength for watering every 7-10 days. Increase the fertilization of older plants to once weekly during the spring and summer growth seasons.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Pests & Diseases
Common pests affecting Dracaena deremensis are spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and thrips. Pathogen (fungal and bacterial) problems such as root rot are not as common. These typically result from watering issues such as root rot when overwatered or browning leaves accompanying low moisture and low humidity.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Propagation & Potting
Propagate striped Dracaena with stem cuttings or air layering in the spring through summer. Grow in standard soil or potting mix that allows for adequate drainage as well as proper moisture retention. Pot on in the spring. Allow the Dracaena deremensis plant to settle into the soil and the pot before continuing standard fertilization routines.
Warnecki Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) Interesting Facts
Dracaena deremensis has been approved by the NASA Clean Air Study as a plant air cleaner. The study shows that Dracaena deremensis plants remove formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air for healthier breathing.
