Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’

Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’: native range and modern history

‘Anita’ belongs to Dracaena reflexa. In nature, the species grows as a tropical shrub or small tree and is native to north-eastern Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros and several western Indian Ocean islands, including Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues.

In 2000, ‘Anita’ received European plant-variety protection. In 2009, a naturally variegated mutation appeared on an ‘Anita’ plant at a nursery in Costa Rica. That mutation was later introduced as ‘RDLANIVAR’, with ‘Anita’ as its green-leaved parent.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’: light, watering and everyday care

• Light: keep ‘Anita’ close to a bright window with indirect light. Protect the leaves from strong sunlight coming directly through glass.
• Watering: check the upper layer of the mix and water after it has dried, while the pot still holds some moisture deeper down. Soak the mix evenly and let the excess drain away.
• Water quality: tap water with high mineral levels or fluoride can mark Dracaena leaves. Rainwater can be used. If you use filtered water, choose one with a low mineral content.
• Temperature: keep ‘Anita’ at 18–24°C and above 15°C.
• Humidity: moderate indoor humidity helps new leaves open cleanly.
• Potting mix: choose an airy houseplant mix that drains well while holding a little moisture.
• Feeding: use a mild balanced fertiliser as new leaves appear.
• Slower growth: when new growth slows, wait longer before watering again and reduce feeding until steady new growth resumes.
• Repotting: move up only one pot size once the roots fill the current pot or the mix has become dense.
• Pruning and propagation: shortening a cane can trigger new shoots lower down. Healthy leafy tops and cane pieces can be rooted in warmth.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’: recognising and solving common problems

• Brown, dry leaf tips: hard or fluoridated water, fertiliser salts or irregular watering are the first things to check. Rainwater is a good option; distilled water or very low-mineral filtered water can also work. Feed lightly and flush accumulated salts from the mix with one thorough watering.
• Yellow leaves while the mix is still damp: the roots may be staying wet longer than they should. Allow more drying time and check that the pot drains freely. Soft or dark roots can point to root rot. Lift the plant from the pot. Use disinfected shears to remove every damaged root and stop when only healthy, firm roots remain. Discard the rotten roots and repot in fresh airy mix.
• Pale, dry patches: hot sun through glass can scorch the leaves. Move ‘Anita’ back from the strongest midday rays while keeping it in a bright position.
• Brown spots that enlarge or multiply: bacterial leaf spot is one possible cause. Water into the potting mix so the leaves stay dry, make sure air moves around the leaves and cut off badly affected leaves with clean shears. Isolate the plant while new spots are appearing.
• Fine webbing, sticky bumps, silver marks or cottony clusters: look for spider mites, scale, thrips or mealybugs. Keep the plant separate from other houseplants during treatment. Use a houseplant product labelled for the pest you identify. Read the label for the correct amount and the waiting time before a second treatment.

Foliage Factory can help when the cause is unclear. Please send clear photos of the entire plant, the affected leaves and the potting mix.

Dracaena reflexa ‘Anita’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• It contains saponins that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
• Chewing may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, reduced appetite or weakness. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

About the name Dracaena reflexa

Dracaena comes from Greek drakaina, meaning a female dragon. The epithet reflexa is Latin for bent or turned backwards, referring to the recurved leaves.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Dracaena in 1767 in Mantissa Plantarum, page 9; Domenico Vandelli had proposed the name.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck first described Dracaena reflexa in 1786 in Encyclopédie, volume 2, page 324.