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Dracaena Lemon Lime Plant

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The Dracaena plant family consists of more than 110 different species of shrubby plants and trees. Today, I am showing you my Dracaena Lemon Lime Plant, which is a slow-growing plant with a long, dark green stripe down the center of each leaf, with lime green margins. It will grow up to a height of six feet–if I am a good plant mom, that is. It is an ideal foliage plant for brightening up the home. There are many different Dracaena varieties — something for everyone. They are also referred to as a corn plant (can you see the resemblance?)

I purchased this plant with my Uncle Billy in mind. I have a fond memory of a cornfield adventure we went on when I was a little girl. My uncle had a good friend that lived on the opposite end of a cornfield from him.

When they would get together, they would walk into the field and start whistling for one another… zeroing in on one another’s location. This particular day, Uncle Billy put me on his shoulders, which allowed my eyes to gaze over the tops of the high-growing corn. I felt like I was floating. Beneath me, Billy walked blindly, swatting away corn stalks, as he tuned in for his friend’s whistle.

It’s the silly little things in life that can turn into beautiful memories. So, when I first started to get into plants, this particular one took me back in time. Any plant that has the power to do that is MINE! haha

Water Requirements

These plants have a reputation for not needing a lot of water. However, they need a thorough soaking when the soil dries out! It is best to use filtered water, rainwater, or distilled water since they don’t like salts or minerals. Dracaenas prefer dry soil. If the soil remains soggy, it will promote fungus and root rot.

Light Requirements

A right mix of sunshine and shade is ideal for this dracaena, but it’s best to avoid direct sunlight. Although it grows quicker and better in bright light, you’ll also find it survives and thrives well enough in low light conditions.

Temperature Requirements

It prefers temperatures between 65 – 75 degrees (F). Under 55 degrees (F) will harm the plant, which may become noticeable if the leaves begin curling. Try and avoid the plant being near cold drafts, which will also cause harm.

Fertilizer – Plant Food

I feed mine once a month during the growing season with a 1/4 diluted complete liquid fertilizer.

Plant Characteristics to Watch For

Diagnosing what is going wrong with your plant is going to take a little detective work, but even more patience! First of all, don’t panic, and don’t throw out a plant prematurely. Take a few deep breaths and work down the list of possible issues. Below, I am going to share some typical symptoms that can arise. When I start to spot troubling signs on a plant, I take the plant into a room with good lighting, pull out my magnifiers, and begin by thoroughly inspecting the plant.

The leaves have brown tips

The leaves have black tips

Brown, dry spots on some of the leaves

The leaves have brown edges.

There are white deposits on the pot near the drain holes.

Small brown spots trimmed in yellow

The leaves are curling

Additional Care

Common Bugs to Watch For

If you want to have healthy houseplants, you MUST inspect them regularly. Every time I water a plant, I give it a quick look-over.  Bugs/insects feeding on your plants reduces the plant sap and redirects nutrients from leaves. Some chew on the leaves, leaving holes in the leaves.  Also watch for wilting or yellowing, distorted, or speckled leaves. They can quickly get out of hand and spread to your other plants.

IF you see ONE bug, trust me, there are more. So, take action right away. Some are brave enough to show their “faces” by hanging out on stems in plain sight. Others tend to hide out in the darnedest of places.

Toxicity

The sap is poisonous to animals. It is not considered toxic to humans but should not be ingested. Keep it away from pets.

2 thoughts on “Dracaena Lemon Lime Plant

  1. Rossini says:

    The lemon lime leaves are splitting what do you think is the problem? thank you!

    • amie-sue says:

      Hello Rossini,

      It may be due to low humidity. Try adding a humidifier to the area and see if that helps. It mend the ones that have split but may prevent others from doing that. blessings, amie sue

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