Introducing Dracaena Spike Plant
Here we are going to elaborate on the Dracaena spike plant. We will go through detailed information on its features, watering needs, soil & potting, temperature & humidity, fertilizing, pruning & maintenance, accurate reporting, and sorting out issues.
You probably know it’s another name Dracaena marginata. Interestingly, you can also call it the Madagascar dragon tree, it is because of its origin.
It is well known for placing at indoor locations such as homes or workspaces.
| Common Names | Dracaena Spike Plant, Dracaena Marginata, Madagascar Dragon Tree |
| Botanical Name | Dracaena fragrans |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type | Broadleaf, evergreen, shrub/tree |
| Mature Size | 24-35 inches, 15 to 18 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Partial |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-draining, loamy |
| Native | Madagascar |
Salient Features of the Dracaena Spike Plant
Overall Appearance
The Dracaena spike plant is identifiable by its long, narrow leaves that arch captivatingly from slender, woody stems. The leaves of the dracaena spike are specifically green with red or purple borders, making a dramatic and captivating appearance. As time passes, the plant grows, it develops a tree-like appearance with a bare stem topped with a cluster of spiky leaves.
Growth Factor
Dracaena marginata can grow taller. Interestingly it can reach up to 6-10 feet indoors if appropriate temperature, humidity, and some other supporting factors are given. In this way, this slow-growing plant is suitable for your placement at indoor locations, such as home or workplaces.
Variations
- Tricolor Dracaena Spike Plant Marginata
- Colorama Dracaena Spike Plant Marginata
- Bicolor Dracaena Spike Plant Marginata
Light Requirements
Regarding Dracaena spike plants grow appropriately in bright and partial indirect light. Interestingly, it can face lower light conditions, making it survive in various indoor environments, in the same way, it will grow more slowly and may lose some of its warming colors. Precaution! avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and cause browning.
Watering Needs
Here we will discuss the recommended ways to water these dracaena plants, appropriate watering is essential for the overall health and growth of the Dracaena spike plant. Let’s have a look at some related factors.
How Frequently Watering is Recommended?
Must go for the watering of the plant when you feel the upper soil is dry enough. This sign indicates the start of its dehydration. You can cover it at this stage before it’s too late to save it from complete wilting. Last but not least the frequency of watering can vary depending on the indoor temperature, humidity, and pot size.
Appropriate Method
Must water thoroughly until it drains out of the bottom of the pot, and make sure that the roots get appropriate moisture. Put away any excess water in the saucer to prevent root rot.
Off Season Care
Off-season care is important as other caring factors, reduce watering frequency during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
Soil and Potting
We are describing this factor in the last but it has the same impact on the care of Dracaena marginata as other factors have. Point to be noted, regarding dracaena spike plant care, there is a requirement for well-draining soil. There is mixed soil required for the standard houseplant, you can improve drainage by adding perlite or sand. This is so important to know if the drainage is not accurate, the hole at.
Temperature and Humidity
Here are the big factors regarding the spike in dracaena plant care, temperature, and humidity. The preferable survival range of temperature is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They can bear a survival range of household temperatures. Moreover, they should be kept away from cold drafts and windows during the winter. The spike dracaena plant prefers average household humidity levels but can benefit from occasional misting, especially in dry and rough surroundings.
Fertilizing Regarding Dracaena Spike Plant Care
Fertilizing Dracaena spike plant care depends on the conditions. If the plant still not growing after the optimal care so in this way, you are recommended to provide it with fertilizers, otherwise is no need. The appropriate range to provide fertilizers is after 4-6 weeks.
Pruning and Maintenance
Here we are going to discuss the pruning and maintenance of the Dracaena spike plant. The daily pruning leads to the captivating shape and health of your plant. Let’s have a look at some methods of its maintenance.
Firstly, you should remove the dead immediately. You can go for the option of trimming away any yellowish or dead leaf to make the plant look perfect and it enable new growth as well.
Secondly, if you notice the excessive growth of the plant, if it grows larger than expected you can cut the back stems of it. This is not disturbing for the plant it enables its new and vibrant growth.
Third but not least, cleaning is so important for the fresh and internal health way of this plant. You can use a damp cloth to put away impurities, and dust, it also improves the process of photosynthesis.
How to Do Accurate Repotting?
Make sure to report the dracaena spike plant every 2-3 years or when the plant reaches the condition of root-bound.
Firstly, replace it with a large pot, you can also consult with the pot provider regarding its optimal height.
Secondly, go for the option of fresh and fertile soil, it should be a well-draining potting mix as well.
The last step is transplanting, slowly remove the plant from its active pot, shake it to remove extra soil, and place it in the new pot. Fill the water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
Dracaena Spike Plant Care | Sorting Out Issues
Here we are going to elaborate on the main issues that are faced by the Dracaena spike plant and sort it out.
Turning Its Leaves into a Yellowish Color
This is not a big deal, every plant almost faces this issue. The relation of this issue with the spike dracaena plant care is overwatering mineral deficiency and inappropriate drainage.
Moreover, you have to make sure that watering this plant too frequently is dangerous. If the problem remains the same you can opt for providing it with fertilizers.
What Do Brown Tips Do to Dracaena Spike Plant?
Brown tips are the signs of the overall decline of nutrients and growth of the dracaena spike plant.
You can overcome these issues by controlling the humidity level, minimizing fluoride in the tap water, or underwatering. Opt for the distilled or rainwater for better performance. Do not let this plant dry for long periods.
Conclusion
The Dracaena spike plant is a succulent and captivating addition to the interior areas, such as homes or workplaces. This is considered an easy-care plant with striking foliage. This is the perfect item for the enthusiast who loves interior decor with plants. If you provide it with appropriate humidity, temperature, and care it gives out its perfect captivating look.
FAQ’s
Is Dracaena Spike Plant Appropriate to Place Indoor?
Yes, we can place dracaena spike plants in indoor places such as homes or workplaces.
How Many Types of Spike Dracaena Plant Exist?
There are three variations of the spike dracaena plant.
How to Care Dracaena Spike Plant?
It is considered a low-care plant, You should look at the accurate humidity and temperature levels. Moreover, do not overwater it, place it in indirect sunlight, and provide fertilizers if needed.
May We Go For Reppoting of Dracaena Spike Plant?
Yes, we can go for the reporting of the spike Dracaena plant every 2 to 3 years.
What Do Brown Tips Do to Spike Dracaena Plant?
This is the initial sign of declining of the nutrients and growth of the dracaena spike plant.