Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' Dracaena fragrans (Deremensis Group) 'Lemon Lime' (v)
ABOUT
Dracaena 'Lemon Lime' stands out from its genus with its neon yellow and green striped leaves, but like the rest of the family, it is relatively easy to care for.
It can reach a height of 5-7 feet indoors, but with regular pruning, the height of the plant can be adjusted.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime'
Common names
Dracaena deremensis 'Lemon Lime', Cornstalk dracaena 'Lemon Lime', Corn plant 'Lemon Lime'
- Toxicity
To humans
In fact, Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' can be classified as poisonous, even if slightly poisonous. It contains so-called saponins in all parts of the plant. These plant substances are harmless, but in this concentration present in Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime', consumption can have health consequences.
The consequences can be nausea and vomiting, to the decomposition of vital red blood cells.
But it can happen only if you ingest Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' in really large quantities, which is unlikely. Therefore, keep the plant out of the reach of children.To pets
According to ASPCA, Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' is on the list of poisonous plants for dogs, cats and horses.
All parts of the plant contain so-called saponins, which are harmful to animals.
Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, sometimes with blood, depression, anorexia, hyper-salivation, dilated pupils (cats only).
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Neon yellow with green
Flower color
White
Height
Up to 7 feet
Spread
Up to 4 feet
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
A great indoor plant that clears the air;
Increases air humidity;
A very ornamental plant;
Does not need much care;
Dracaena is an excellent absorber of lead. - Medical Properties
This species has been used for many medical purposes, including inducing labour, treating malnutrition, and fighting disease.
- Air-purifying Qualities
Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' is very effective in removing pollutants from the air.
It can reduce indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene and carbon dioxide.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Because of the plant’s ability to reach a considerable height without going overboard, it is a very suitable plant to place on corners and blades in the house to counter Sha Chi.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
SCORPIO
Scorpios are often misunderstood because of their passionate, direct and overbearing nature. However, Scorpios are also ambitious, empathetic and committed to their relationships.
Dracenas are Scorpios in plant form. They will tell you exactly what they want with the change in color of their leaves, and Scorpios will love their directness. - Plant Symbolism
This plant brings good luck: it symbolizes perseverance and knowledge of one's inner world.
- Water
Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' does not require frequent and abundant watering because it is a drought-tolerant plant.
Ideally, the plant is watered so that the top third of the substrate dries out.
In summer watering should be abundant (no more than 2 times a week).
In winter, they are reduced depending on the air temperature. Usually about once every 2 weeks. - Light
It is undemanding to light, but both too bright and too little light can cause the leaves to lose their color.
The eastern or western parts of the room are best.
It also requires turning to a light source so that the Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' does not lose its shape. - Temperature
The most suitable air temperature is 65 - 70 °F. The plant is not afraid of heat and can survive even at 100 °F. But it is very sensitive to draughts, sharp changes.
In winter, you can arrange a dormant period for the tree by putting it in a cool place with a temperature of about 59 °F. - Pruning
Shaping indoor Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' is a must in order for it to bloom and have decorative appeal. It is best to do in the beginning of spring. This is also important to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots. Pruning is done with a sharp instrument (for example, a knife), cutting off the top of the shoot, which can then be rooted. The height of the trunk is chosen according to the desired size of the plant. Usually if the trunk is bare by 1 foot, the top is cut off, leaving 4-5 leaves.
- Cleaning
Once a week
- Soil
Leaf, sod soil, compost and peat in the proportion 2:1:1:0.5.
Since Dracenae are not picky about soil, ready-made soil "For Dracenae" or "For Palms" is suitable.
The only important thing is that the acidity should be pH 6 - 6.5. - Repotting
Repotting is carried out in spring, but only as needed - when the roots appear in the drainage holes. Dracaena fragrans is usually transplanted every 2-3 years, replacing only the top layer of soil.
Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' needs high, but not wide pots. The size is increased by 1 inch with each repotting. - Humidity & Misting
It likes high humidity. Requires frequent misting. A humidifier, wet moss, or pebbles can also increase the humidity. Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' also likes warm showers.
In summer the lant requires high humidity.
In winter, if the plant is at rest in a cooler room, spraying is not necessary. But if Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' is in a warm room, keep the humidification regimen around the dracaena. - Suitable locations
Indoor
All year round
Outdoor
Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime' can be grown outdoors only in tropical climates. In temperate and continental conditions, the Dracaens is used as a compact ornamental plant.
Hardiness zone
9 - 12 USDA
- Life cycle
Corn plant blooms very rarely in indoor conditions. If it blooms, it forms handfuls of white flowers with a strong fragrance. At this time it is not recommended to keep Dracaena in the bedroom or children's room, as the strong fragrance of the flowers can lead to dizziness and headache. The scent from the plant has some resemblance to honey mixed with the scent from freshly cut grass.
Flowering lasts about a month after which, if pollinated, orange berries will set. From these berries seeds can be collected for propagation.
After flowering and fruiting, the shoot should be cut off, leaving about 1.5 inches of it. - Propogation
Propogation time
Spring, summer
By CUTTINGS:
To propagate Dragon plant 'Lemon Lime', cut off a portion of the stem about 8 inches long.
Place the cuttings in moist soil or water. It is best to take the cuttings when the plant is actively growing - spring or early summer. Use rooting hormone, if you have it, to speed up root development.
Keep the soil moist, or change the water at least once a week if you propagate hydroponically. You can propagate either tops, or rosettes, or stems without leaves. Rosettes have a better chance of surviving.
Keep the cuttings in bright light, but away from direct sunlight.
- Pests
Spider mite, Scale insects
- Diseases
Root Rot