Dracaena Fragrans Massangeana

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asparagaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Dracaena

Species

fragrans

Description

Commonly called the 'Happiness Trochetto', it is a shrubby evergreen plant
often consisting of several trunks in the same pot and with different heights.

It develops lush vegetation with arching leaves with linear yellow-green or creamy-white stripes. Flowering is rare but can occur under certain cultivation conditions.

In view of its cultivation requirements, it is mainly used as a green species for indoor spaces such as homes and offices where it will provide a scenic and design-oriented ornamental accent.

curiosity and special features

According to the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, the 'Happiness Trunk' is a symbol of longevity and happiness, a good luck charm often given to people moving into a new home or starting a new career.

Origin and Diffusion

The species Dracaena fragrans is native to tropical Africa, the variety 'Massangeana' was first described in the 1800s and introduced to Europe in the early 1900s as an indoor plant.

Leaf

The leaves have an elongated ribbon-like lamina.

Leaf color

Ornamental value is also conferred by the multicoloured, veined leaf with a central yellow-green band outlined laterally by linear stripes.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 1.5 m, depending on its use as an indoor pot plant.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

Widely used as a green plant for large pots, tubs indoors.

Stem/stem

It has a cylindrical , herbaceous, woody stem; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from late spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It has hints of honey and is lightly perfumed, with a fruity aroma.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus accentuated by the elongated morphology of the leaf blade.

pH

Requires a substrate with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Pay attention to the quality of the water used for irrigation, which must not alter the indicated acidity level.

sun exposure

Suitable for the following exposures: outdoors on balconies or terraces in temperate zones, light source indoors, light shade. It does not tolerate draughty areas while it does well in spaces with bright, warm windows. It is advisable to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours.

Low light can lead to leaf necrosis.

Ideal climate and temperature

It is a tropical plant that prefers a warm, possibly humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 15 and 40 °C.

Use

Due to its climatic requirements, it is one of the most widely used green plants in:
Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, care should be taken to avoid exposing it to draughts as well as sudden changes in temperature and light.

Soil/medium

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for green pot plants.

Maintenance

It is fairly easy to grow if the correct conditions for growth and development are provided.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation indications
Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Prefers warm and humid climate

Reproduction/Propagation

The vegetative reproduction of Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' is by apical cuttings.

Irrigation

Apply non-cold, sub-acidic pH water directly to the substrate keeping it moist but not saturated, with low temperatures limit watering.

Avoid dry spells as the vegetation may yellow and become stained, also do not keep water on the underpot.

In hot, dry weather, light foliar mistings with temperate, non-calcareous water may be useful, to be carried out before the evening.

Fertilization

During the spring-summer period, add a specific fertiliser for green plants to the moist substrate to be diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the dose and frequency.

Pet friendly

Toxic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Often the death of this plant indoors is due to over-watering and lack of light. Avoid keeping water on the under pot and cold areas of the house. It is not a plant to be kept in areas where there is no light for at least 10 hours a day.