Dracaena reflexa aka Song Of India
Taxonomy
Dracaena reflexa, commonly known as Song of India, Song of Jamaica, or Corn Plant, is a tall, bushy tree native to Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and other nearby islands of the Indian Ocean. It is widely grown as an ornamental plant and houseplant, valued for its richly coloured, evergreen leaves, and thick, irregular stems. In their native habitat of southeast Africa, these compact houseplants can grow to over 20 feet tall but are easily managed as a low-maintenance houseplant option. Dracaena reflexa has bright, colorful foliage and is reported to have medicinal properties which communities in Madagascar have been known to use to cure malaria and dysentery.
Common names
Song Of India, It Is Not A Song Of India. This Is A Tri Colored Dracaena, Tri Colored DracaenaHow to care for Song Of India
Difficulty
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Song Of India due to its easy-going nature.
Water
Song Of India does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
Song Of India loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Song Of India prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Song Of India to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Song Of India is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
Song Of India prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Song Of India is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
Song Of India grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.
Region of origin
Song Of India’s native range is Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.
Flower
Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Song Of India blooming.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Dracaena Genus
Dracaena massangeana
Dracaena cinnabari Socotra Dragontree
Dracaena tamaranae
Dracaena angolensis Cylindrical Snake Plant
Dracaena surculosa surculosa Gold Dust Dracaena
Dracaena braunii Lucky Bamboo
Dracaena steudneri Northern Large Leaved Dragon Tree
Dracaena masoniana Whale Fin Plant
Dracaena aubryana Garden Corn Plant
