Dracaena goldieana aka Central African Dracaena

Dracaena goldieana is a semi-woody perennial in the asparagus family. Common names include green zebra and queen of dracaenas. It comes from wet tropical parts of western and central Africa. Its range includes Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Zaire. People grow it for its patterned leaves and scented flowers. Its name honours J. Goldie, a Scottish plant grower and collector.

This slow-growing plant has a compact, upright form. Indoors, it reaches 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres] tall and wide. Wild plants can reach 13 feet [3.96 metres] in height. A young plant usually has one woody stem. Older plants may form branches. The simple leaves are broad and egg-shaped, with rounded bases. Each leaf ends in a long point and has smooth edges. Glossy green blades carry silver or pale green bands across them. Leaves measure 0.5–0.75 feet [0.15–0.23 metres] long. Their width is about 0.25–0.42 feet [0.08–0.13 metres].

Small white flowers add scent as well as colour. They form tight, round clusters about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres] across. Each flower measures less than 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] wide. The bold leaf bands give this plant its main indoor appeal. Its small size suits containers and indoor spaces. Growers can raise new plants from stem cuttings.

Give this plant bright light without direct sun. Full sun can scorch its leaves. Use a potting mix rich in organic matter that drains well. Keep the mix moist, but let the top layer dry before watering. It prefers steady warmth near 75°F and moderate to high humidity. Cold drafts and frost can harm it. NC State lists USDA zones 11–12 in its growing details. Its broader description gives zones 10–12. The same source rates it as easy to grow and low-maintenance.

Watch for mealybugs and spider mites on the plant. Other listed pests include thrips and scale insects. Too much water can lead to root rot. Salt, chlorine or fluoride in tap water can cause damage. Filtered water or rainwater avoids that source of harm. NC State flags the plant as poisonous to people and pets. It identifies saponins as the toxic compounds and rates poison severity as low. Pets that eat it may drool, vomit or develop diarrhoea. Weakness, poor balance and loss of appetite may also occur. Cats may develop enlarged pupils. Keep the plant away from children and pets that chew plants.