Heavy doses of fertilizer can be harmful. A weak solution of fertilizer added to the water at each watering would ensure that essential nutrients are given, without risking giving too much.
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The Dragon Tree “Golden Coast”, known as Dracaena fragrans or Corn Plant, is a tall houseplant that is easy to care for.
Latin name
Dracaena fragrans “Golden Coast”
Pronunciation
(“drah-SEE-nah FRAY-grans”)
Common name
Dracaena fragrans
Origin
Dracaena fragrans is found throughout equatorial Africa from Tanzania to Ivory Coast
Dracaena fragrans is a shrub with leaves forming as rosettes on stems and at the tip of the plant. It has very long sword-shaped leaves. Dracaena fragrans prefers quite dry conditions, so watering intervals can be quite long.
The Dragon Tree variety “Gold Coast” has attractively variegated foliage with yellow stripes along the outer edges of the leaves (the reverse of the pattern of variegation found on the variety “Cintho”). In the wild, they can grow up to 3m, in height, and are sometimes used for hedging. As houseplants, they are typically much smaller. Dracaena fragrans is notable for its highly scented flowers (hence ‘fragrans’, meaning fragrant), and you may be lucky to get flowers on yours. They’re not especially attractive, but have a delightful smell.
Dracaena fragrans ‘Golden Coast’ is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains saponins, which can cause vomiting, drooling and loss of coordination in cats and dogs. It is generally considered safe for humans but should not be consumed.
caring for your plant
Light
Medium to high light.
Watering
Low to medium. Allow the soil to dry out a little between watering.
Pruning
Feeding
pest & diseases
Largely pest-free, but watch for mealybugs hiding under leaves; remove them with a damp cloth. Dracaenas may get leaf damage from salt buildup or strong fertilizer, shown by black leaf edges and tips.
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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