Song of India Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India', 4"
Brand - PlantX USQuick Description
The Song of India has beautiful elongated green leaves with yellow edges.
Key Information and Plant Overview
- Other Common Names: Pleomele
- Binomial Name: Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’
- Care Level: Easy
- Light: Bright to medium, indirect
- Water: Allow the top 2” of soil to dry
- Pet Friendly: No
The Song of India has beautiful elongated green leaves with yellow edges. As the plant matures the leaves look as though they are growing in a rosette formation. This plant is known for its air-purifying qualities as well as being extremely low maintenance. What more could you ask for?
PlantX Top Tip: To prevent elongation and leggy growth, rotate the plant and keep it in brighter light conditions.
How to Care for Song of India
- Light: Prefers bright to medium indirect light. No direct sun as the leaves can burn.
- Water: Allow the top 2” of the soil to dry before watering.
- Humidity: Average relative humidity of 25% to 49%
- Temperature: Average from 18°C to 24°C (65°F - 75°F)
- Fertilizer: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10.
- Soil: Use a well-draining, high organic matter soil mix.
- Propagation: Stem cuttings and division
- Repotting: This can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot.
- Cleaning Tip: Remove dried or damaged leaves by firmly grasping the leaf at its base and gently tugging.
- Toxicity: Toxic. Always keep plants away from children and pets.
Song of India - Common Problems
The young leaves are shedding and falling: This could be a sign of underwatering and lack of light. If this is the case, move your plant to a brighter location and change your watering routine. If the old leaves are shedding and falling, don’t be alarmed. This is a natural process that happens due to maturity.
The tips of the leaves are turning yellow and brown: Dracaenas can be sensitive to tap water. If this continues, switch to using distilled water, rainwater, or set a glass of water out overnight to reduce the chlorine content. Ensure your watering routine is consistent.
How often should I fertilize my Dracaena: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10.
Signs of Overwatering: New growth becomes soft and brown and the leaves begin to drop.
Common Pests: Scale, spider mites, and thrips.