Dracaena angolensis (Dracaena angolensis)
Dracaena angolensis is an upright to spreading succulent herb with leaves growing in a basal rosette, often forming a fan-shaped plant. It is reported to be perennial.
Overview
Dracaena angolensis is an upright to spreading succulent herb with leaves growing in a basal rosette, often forming a fan-shaped plant. It is reported to be perennial.
Origin and habitat
It is native to Africa, with Angola in southern Africa documented more specifically.
Characteristics
Few sources report a mature height of about 15.24–213.36 cm and a mature spread of about 15.24–60.96 cm. It is reported to grow slowly, with simple, fleshy to leathery, hairless leaves arising in a basal rosette; the leaves are slender and nearly cylindrical, gray-green to green, longitudinally striped, and notably long and narrow. The fragrant, tubular flowers are white to pinkish and borne on upright racemes, with linear, recurved lobes and conspicuously protruding white stamens; flowering is reported to occur in summer. The plant stores water in its leaves, and its mature fruit is reported to be a fleshy red to burgundy berry that is small in both length and width.
Light
It grows in bright conditions and can accept dappled sun or part shade; indoors it can be placed by a bright window, while outdoor summer placement should favor morning sun to reduce the risk of sunburn. It is generally suited to bright light or part shade.
Watering
It is drought tolerant; during the growing season watering is spaced farther apart than frequent watering, and in winter it is watered less often, while the growing medium should drain well and may be allowed to dry. During summer, watering is given every 14 days. During winter, watering is given every 30–31 days.
Temperature and dormancy
Few sources report a minimum temperature of about 12.8 °C.
Growing medium and mounting
It is reported to require a well-drained growing medium, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix; sandy, shallow, stony, and relatively dry soil conditions are also reported.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated by leaf cuttings.
Common problems
It is reported to be susceptible to greenhouse thrips, fern scale, and long-tailed mealybugs. Moving it outdoors into stronger sunlight in summer is reported to pose a risk of sunburn. It is also reported to be sensitive to colder outdoor conditions and to sudden exposure to stronger direct sunlight in summer.
Identification
Dracaena angolensis can be distinguished by stiff, long, nearly cylindrical rather than strap-shaped leaves with gray-green longitudinal stripes, arising from a basal rosette and capable of forming a fan-shaped appearance.