Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Bicolor’

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Bicolor’: origin and history

Within Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, ‘Bicolor’ is a cultivated form. The variety’s wild range includes Madagascar and several other western Indian Ocean islands, where plants develop into woody shrubs and small trees.

By 2002, ‘Bicolor’ was already being grown commercially under the name Dracaena marginata ‘Bicolor’. That older name remains common in shops and plant collections.

Caring for Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Bicolor’

• Light: give ‘Bicolor’ plenty of bright, filtered light to keep the new growth compact and the cream-and-red edges clear. Shade it from the strongest midday sun.
• Watering: allow the top of the mix to dry well before watering again. Water evenly, then let the pot drain completely.
• Potting mix: use a loose, fast-draining houseplant mix with enough weight to steady the canes.
• Humidity: average indoor humidity is usually fine. In heated rooms with very dry air, raise it slightly.
• Temperature: A range of 18–24°C suits ‘Bicolor’; avoid temperatures below 15°C and cold draughts.
• Water quality: fluoride and mineral build-up can brown the leaf tips and margins. Where tap water contains lots of minerals or fluoride, use rainwater, distilled water or filtered water with a low mineral content.
• Feeding: during active leaf growth, use a little balanced fertiliser.
• Slower growth: when the plant starts making leaves more slowly, allow extra drying before watering and use fertiliser less often.
• Repotting: repot one size up after the roots have filled the current pot.
• Pruning and propagation: shorten selected canes to control height. The leafy tops and bare cane pieces can be rooted.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Bicolor’: common problems and practical fixes

• Cream and red edges turning brown: hard or fluoridated water and excess fertiliser can cause this browning. Switch to rainwater or distilled water; also cut back on fertiliser. Run rainwater or distilled water through the mix once to wash out excess salts.
• Pale bands running across several leaves: cold air or low temperatures can leave permanent marks. Keep ‘Bicolor’ warm and away from cold glass and cool draughts.
• Irregular brown spots that keep enlarging: these marks can be caused by leaf spot. Water into the potting mix, keep air moving freely around the leaves and remove the worst affected leaves with clean shears.
• Yellowing with soft roots: potting mix that stays wet too long can cause root rot. Let the pot dry enough to inspect the roots. With disinfected shears, remove softened or dark sections and keep trimming until only firm, healthy roots remain. Throw away the removed roots, repot in fresh loose mix and allow more drying time before the next watering.
• Fine webbing or hard brown bumps that stay attached: spider mites or scale may be present. Move ‘Bicolor’ away from nearby houseplants and wipe away visible pests. When treatment is needed, choose a product labelled for both houseplants and the pest present. Follow its directions, including the timing of any repeat use.

If the symptoms are still unclear, send clear photos showing the entire plant, marked leaves and potting mix so Foliage Factory can help identify the cause.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia ‘Bicolor’ 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.

Where does the name Dracaena reflexa come from?

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.