Dracaena (dra-SEE-na) warneckii is a popular houseplant that is incredibly adaptable. In addition to its easy-going nature with soil, humidity, and light, the plant is surprisingly colorful.
The Dracaena warneckii is like a chameleon that changes colors on its own.
The only thing gardeners have to do is cut off the new colorful section and propagate it. They can often patent it as a new cultivar if the newly planted stem becomes viable.
It’s common to find Dracaena warneckii plants with leaf markings on one side that are entirely different from the other.
In addition, you may also see a new stem growing that looks nothing at all like the original plant.
Native to the tropical parts of Africa, the plant is part of the Agave family, including the yucca and tuberose plants.
The Dracaena warneckii was cultivated from the Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) more than 200 years ago.
This species is known for its sword-like leaves that reach a sharp point at the end. In addition, each leaf is striped with green or white, giving it a unique appearance.
It can be grown in the form of a cane or bush, which makes it a popular choice for a houseplant. The cane plant can grow up to 5′ feet tall, while the bush plant is much shorter.
Many novice gardeners love this variety because it is easy to grow. Unlike most plants, Dracaena can thrive even under extreme neglect.
It can do well indoors in a low-light environment, with inconsistent temperatures and infrequent watering.
One important thing to note is that the plant’s leaves are toxic to animals and humans when ingested.
However, ingestion of small amounts is not likely to cause serious issues. Watch for signs of lethargy, vomiting, or mouth irritation, and if present, contact a doctor.
Dracaena Warneckii also goes by several common names, such as:
- Striped dracaena
- White stripes
- Dragon tree warneckii
- Corn plant dracaena
Quick Facts On Dracaena Warneckii
- Family: Agavaceae
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Temperature: 65° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering
- Fertilizer: Diluted liquid fertilizer monthly
- Propagation: Stem cuttings, tips, or air layered
- Common Problems: Mealybugs, scale, thrips, spider mites
Dracaena Warneckii Care
What Does The Striped Dracaena Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Dracaena warneckii is known for its sword-shaped leaves and upright growth pattern.
Most indoor plants grow to a maximum height of 4′ to 5′ feet, but they can be up to 10′ feet when grown outdoors.
If you want to control the size of your plant, you can control it with the right size pot. A smaller pot will limit your plant’s growth.
The Dracaena warneckii is the most common variety of Dracaena plants and has green leaves with pale yellow fringes, hence the common name Striped Dracaena Plant.
Other types, like Dracaena lemon-lime, have yellow and gray leaves, while the Dracaena Marginata has red-tinged leaves.
When Does The Striped Dracaena Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Like many flowering plants, the Striped Dracaena plant rarely flowers indoors.
The plant flowers in the spring if grown outdoors, but even still, its beautiful foliage is the most notable.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Striped Dracaena plant prefers bright indirect light. Therefore, it will thrive in a south- or north-facing window if you have it indoors. You can even keep it in a semi-shady room.
The plant also likes fluorescent office lighting, growing better in low light than other species.
However, while it will do just fine under these conditions, it will not grow to its full potential.
Dracaena warneckii prefers temperatures between 65° to 80° degrees Fahrenheit, making them an ideal houseplant.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Striped Dracaena Plant?
The Striped Dracaena plant is susceptible to fluoride, often in city tap water. Therefore, many expert gardeners suggest using purified, distilled, or rainwater for your plant.
To avoid overwatering, water your plants when at least half of the soil is dry.
When you do water, make sure you do it slowly and thoroughly so the roots get an even water distribution.
Feed your Striped Dracaena with a diluted liquid fertilizer about once or twice a year in the spring and summer.
What Is The Best Soil For Warneckii Dracaena, And When Should You Transplant?
Although the Striped Dracaena plant is adaptable, it is very particular about its soil. Soil mixtures that contain perlite also have fluoride, which is toxic for Dracaena plants.
Therefore, loam-based potting soil is vital to the success of your Striped Dracaena plant.
Some gardeners make a mixture containing equal parts of coarse sand, peat moss, and pine bark.
It’s vital to repot your Dracaena warneckii every 3 years or when it naturally outgrows its pot.
If the roots come through the drainage holes, it’s time to repot the plant in a larger container.
Does Warneckii Dracaena Plant Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Striped Dracaena only needs regular grooming by removing any brown leaves.
How To Propagate Dracaena Warneckii?
One of the easiest ways to propagate Dracaena Warneckii is stem cuttings.
To prepare the cuttings:
- Use sharp and clean pruning shears to remove a few healthy stem cuttings from the parent plant.
- The stem cuttings should be at least 5” to 6” inches long.
- Let them dry.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Then place the cuttings in water.
- Regularly inspect the cuttings to see whether the cuttings have been rooted.
- Once the cuttings have rooted, place them in a pot with the appropriate soil.
In a few weeks, you will begin to see new growth emerge.
White Stripes Pests And Diseases
Crispy brown tips usually indicate a nutrient deficiency, which can be attributed to fluoride in the potting soil or water.
In addition, pale foliage likely indicates that your plant is receiving too much sunlight. Try moving it to a place with less direct sun.
Although the White Stripes plant is not particularly susceptible to pests, spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs may appear occasionally.
If that happens, you can try to remove them with a spray bottle of water. Treatment with neem oil or an insecticide should solve your problem if that doesn’t work.
Suggested Warneckii Dracaena Uses
Placing your Warneckii Dracaena, among other broad, green foliage, will provide a lovely accent to your collection.
However, its coarse-textured leaves look best when arranged with houseplants of a more delicate texture.
The Warneckii Dracaena can easily break up the monochrome of your solid-green houseplants.
Or, for a more wild vibe, pair it with the bolder yellow-striped Dracaena lemon-lime.
It will make a lovely standing plant for your garden or indoors. Shorter varieties grow well in decorative pots, which look fantastic on tabletops in homes or offices.