Dracaena Arborea Care

Dracaena Arborea Care Instructions

This article will explain Dracaena Arborea care instructions. By following this guideline, you should have no problem keeping your Dracaena Arborea not only surviving, but thriving for years to come. The Dracaenas are some of the most popular indoor plants used in homes, offices and interior landscapes due to their attractive appearance and tolerance of low light and poor air circulation. Some Dracaenas such as the Refelxa or Massangeana are on NASA’s list of clean air plants because they help filter the air of harmful chemicals. It is recommended to use one plant per 100 square feet of living space to help filter chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Arborea are closely related to the Reflexa, Janet Craig, Lucky Bamboo, Warneckii and Massangeana Cane – also known as the Corn Plant. Dracaena is a genus of about 40 species where the majority are native to South Africa.

Varieties

Arborea are commonly grown as a tree form or in a bush form – also know as Arborea tips. We also sell Arborea with several trunks planted in one pot – known as a multi or with the plant groomed to branch for character. Generally providing a spiky, topiary look Arboreas are available in 8, 10, 12,14 and 17in pot sizes – special orders for larger sizes are available as well. The heights will vary depending on what shape that plant was groomed into, but Arboreas can reach heights over 10-15′. Arboreas provide a great alternative to a standard Marginata or Fiddle Leaf Fig in an interior or office environment with suitable lighting.

Dracaena Arborea Tip

Dracaena Arborea Single Cane

Dracaena Arborea Tip

Lighting Requirements

Dracaena Arborea do best in well-lit locations such as a window sill that has an Eastern exposure. Bright indirect sunlight is optimal. Arborea can also be grown outdoors in the warmer months when there is no chance of frost. If you have less than optimal lighting available, do not worry. Dracaenas are a large family of plants and there are other varieties that have an excellent track record with tolerating very low light. Some varieties tend to do better than others in low light -Janet Craig, Warneckii, Corn Plants, Anitas and Elegance canes are all great low light Dracaena options. From our experience Arboreas are an excellent choice for a bright light environment.

Temperature Requirements

The Arborea is a great house or office plant because it prefers the same temperatures that many living situations are kept at on a daily basis. Night time temperatures in the lower 60’s and day time temperatures in the 70’s are ideal. Keep in mind that although your home or office are kept at these average temperatures, other factors may play a part in your plant being too hot or cold. Make sure that your Arborea is not directly affected by a heating or air conditioner vent. The direct cold or hot air will surely damage your plant. You also want to keep an eye on the window if you place your plant in one. On very cold days, the glass will transfer the cold – and if the leaves from your Arborea are pressed against the glass, they will become damaged. It is never a good idea to have your Arborea up against any window or wall. You will also want to avoid any drafts in colder climates. A cold gust of wind from being placed near a door or window that opens could also damage your plant.

Watering Dracaena Arborea

The most important thing to keep in mind when watering Arboreas are that you want to avoid creating a situation that promotes root rot. In our homes and offices, we keep Arborea in a light, well-draining soil. They prefer to be kept on the dryer side, but not so dry that it damages the plant. There is not specific amount or frequency of water that we can suggest because the lighting, temperature and evaporation rates differ in every home and office – but on average you probably should not be watering your Arborea more than twice per month. The quantity of water that you give the plant depends on the pot size and how dry/moist the soil is. You will need to develop a feel for the proper amount of water. Try to water at an even amount of moisture, not letting your plant get soaking wet and then allowing it to completely dry out. Do not let water accumulate in the crown or cups that the leaves. Moderation is key. Any planter that allows for evaporation, air flow and water drainage works well. Once you develop the “feel” for watering, you will be able to judge when to water by picking up the plant. The heavier the plant feels, the more moisture there is in the growing medium. If the plant is too large to lift, a water meter is well worth the investment.

Are Your Plants Leaf Tips Turning Brown?

A common problem with Arborea and almost all indoor houseplants is what we call “tipping” or simply the tips of the leaves drying out and turning brown. This can be caused by a number of factors including over-watering, chemical burn from too much fertilizer, Root rot and dry stagnant air. Probably the most common reason your plant is tipping could be in the tap water. Tap water contains salts, chlorine, minerals and fluoride – all of which can build up in the soil of your plant causing the tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown. One way you can reduce this is to use a water filtration system. If you do not have a filtration system available, leaving he water in an open container overnight before using can help relieve some of the chlorine.

Fertilizing Dracaena Arborea

Do house plant fertilizers work? Definitely. Arborea, like every other living thing need a source of energy. The plants take in their nutrients from the light, water and potting medium they are planted in. That medium only holds so much, and when the nutrients are depleted, fertilizer is the only source left. People who grow house plants without repotting and fertilizing regularly are essentially starving the plants and holding them back from their full potential. There are many different fertilizers on the market and they come in many forms. There are water soluble fertilizers, ready to use liquid, liquid concentrate, fertilizer spikes, time release granules and many others. Which fertilizer works best? That is up for you to decide. We prefer a ready to use liquid simply for the convenience of use. We also dilute the fertilizer and use every time we water so there is a constant stream of nutrients being fed to the plants.

Dracaena Arborea Disease and Insects

Dracaena Arborea are not often susceptible to insect infestation when grown indoors. The most common problems that can occur though are mealy bugs and scale. Both of these issues can be resolved quite easily if spotted early and treated properly. In most cases, a simple treatment of insecticidal soap or a solution of rubbing alcohol and water will do the trick. If you are having problems with your Arborea and not sure of the right solution, contact us and we will be happy to provide the best product for your issue.

Do you have a question about Dracaena Arborea or any other plant that was not answered here? Please feel free to contact us at 201-794-4747 and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members. We would be happy to help.

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