Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' – Care, Growth & Tips
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' adds a vibrant touch to any indoor space with its unique, arching leaves. The narrow green foliage features striking yellow-white stripes and a slightly twisted growth pattern, giving this variety its distinctive look. Thanks to its low-maintenance nature, it's an excellent choice for plant lovers looking for beauty with minimal effort.
Features of Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' & Benefits
- Striking Foliage: The twisted leaves with bright yellow-green patterns add freshness and dynamism to any environment.
- Easy Care & Resilient: Thrives with minimal attention and withstands occasional care mistakes.
Important Information About Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise'
- Origin & Growth: Native to tropical Africa, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions with consistent rainfall. Indoors, it can reach heights of 1.5 to 2 meters.
- Growth Habit: Upright-growing with a thick central stem and dense rosettes of leaves.
- Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets—ingestion may cause digestive discomfort.
How to Care for Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise'
- Placement: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight may cause leaf damage.
- Light: Low-light tolerant, but brighter conditions enhance growth and foliage color.
- Watering: Water only when the topsoil feels dry. Avoid overwatering and standing water.
- Humidity: Thrives in average household humidity but benefits from occasional misting.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 16–24°C. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix, ideally a blend of peat, perlite, and sand.
- Repotting & Pot Choice: Repot every 2-3 years or when roots outgrow the container.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
- Propagation: Easily propagated through stem or top cuttings.
- Semi-Hydroponics: Well-suited for semi-hydroponic cultivation in inert substrates.
- Pruning: Trim yellowing or dried leaves to maintain plant health.
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' - Common Issues & Solutions
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Root Rot: Typically caused by overwatering. Ensure proper drainage and avoid soggy soil.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Often due to dry air or fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water to prevent damage.
- Pale Leaves: A sign of low light. Move the plant to a brighter location.
Additional Notes
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' thrives best when its natural tropical habitat is mimicked. A well-ventilated spot with consistent moisture levels supports optimal growth.
Etymology
The genus name Dracaena is derived from the Greek word for "female dragon," referencing the red resin found in some species. Fragrans refers to its fragrant flowers, which occasionally appear in the wild.
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' - Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I water Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise'?
Water only when the top layer of soil is dry, and avoid overwatering.
2. Does this plant need a lot of light?
It tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
3. Is Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' safe for pets?
No, ingestion may cause mild digestive issues in cats and dogs.
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Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise'
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Surprise' is ca. 15 cm tall and comes in a 6 cm pot