Dracaena Reflexa

• Originally native to Madagascar and Mauritius, this tropical evergreen belongs to the agave family and thrives in warm, humid environments.
• Features distinctive sword-like leaves with cream or yellow edges in variegated forms, creating an elegant architectural silhouette.
• Grows slowly but steadily, developing multiple stems that can reach 1-2 metres indoors over several years.
• Popular for its low-maintenance nature and ability to tolerate some neglect while still looking stunning.
• Recognized by NASA as an effective air purifier, removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from indoor air.

• Water deeply when top 2-3cm of soil is dry, approximately every 1-2 weeks, reducing frequency in cooler months.
• Position in bright, indirect light away from harsh afternoon sun - morning sun is acceptable but avoid intense direct light.
• Use well-draining potting mix with perlite or bark chunks to prevent waterlogging and ensure good aeration.
• Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertiliser, reducing to every 6-8 weeks in autumn and winter.
• Prune dead or damaged leaves at the base, and trim growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired.
• Maintain humidity with regular misting or humidity trays, especially during dry Australian winters with indoor heating.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots become pot-bound, choosing a container only slightly larger than the current one.

• Provide bright, indirect light near an east or north-facing window - direct sun can scorch the leaves while too little light causes leggy growth.
• Water when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on season and humidity levels.
• Maintain humidity around 40-60% by grouping with other plants or using a pebble tray, especially during winter heating periods.
• Keep temperatures between 18-25°C year-round, protecting from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
• Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows, and increase during active growing periods in spring and summer.

• Spider mites can appear in dry conditions, causing stippled leaves - increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap weekly until resolved.
• Brown leaf tips indicate overwatering, low humidity, or fluoride in tap water - reduce watering frequency and use filtered water. Scale insects may cluster on stems and leaves, appearing as brown bumps - remove with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
• Yellowing lower leaves often signal overwatering or poor drainage - check soil moisture and ensure pot has adequate drainage holes.
• Root rot develops in soggy soil, causing mushy black roots and wilting - repot immediately in fresh, well-draining potting mix.