About Dracaena Warneckii: care, problems, and solutions

A dracaena warneckii, like all dracaenas, is a hardy slow growing houseplant that thrives on neglect. The warneckii, sometimes called the striped dracaena, has long pointed green and white striped leaves. It can be used as a table plant, a bush for the floor, and eventually as a tall cane plant for home or office. This is one of the few colorful plants that can survive in lower light conditions. NASA has named the warneckii one of its top ten plants that clean the air of formaldehyde.

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CARE OF DRACAENA WARNECKII

Light: A dracaena warneckii will survive in low light, but will grow faster and look better in medium light: . New leaves may be smaller and narrower in low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves.

Water: All dracaenas like to be kept on the dry side. Water well and then allow your warneckii to dry out before watering again. Dark brown leaf tips are a sign of over watering. The lower the light level the less water is needed.

Temperature: Usual household temperatures between 65 and 80 are fine for a dracaena warneckii. Never allow the leaves to touch cold windows in winter. Try to keep your plant away from air conditioners and heaters.

Fertilizer: Dracaenas do not need much fertilizer. Use a good indoor plant food once a month in spring and summer. It’s not necessary to feed your dracaenas in the fall or winter.

Pests: Warneckiis sometimes get mealy bugs and spider mites. Keeping the leaves clean and dust free helps to prevent this. If the pests appear, spray with the green solution every 10 days for a month.

Propagate: Dracaena warneckii are propagated from stem cuttings. Cut off a piece of cane, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant in soil that drains well.