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viper's bowstring hemp (Dracaena trifasciata)

Dracaena trifasciata is an upright, clump-forming, evergreen, succulent-like perennial herb with creeping rhizomes.

LightDracaena trifasciata tolerates low light but is better suited to bright conditions, including bright filtered indoor light or direct light for part of the day; guidance also recommends avoiding intense full sun under gla
WaterIt tolerates drought; allow the potting medium to dry before watering during active growth, avoid excessive moisture, and greatly reduce watering in winter because overwatering can cause root or rhizome rot. In winter, t
HumidityIt is generally reported to prefer low humidity.
TemperatureThe few available sources indicate a minimum temperature of about 10 °C. It is generally reported to rest in winter.
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Overview

Dracaena trifasciata is an upright, clump-forming, evergreen, succulent-like perennial herb with creeping rhizomes.

Origin and habitat

It is native to tropical Africa, mainly from Nigeria eastward toward the Congo region, though sources variously describe its range more broadly as tropical West Africa or Central Africa. It is reported to occur in dry parts of Africa. Its native environment is warm and tropical and includes regions with a distinct dry season; the plant tolerates drought but not low temperatures or prolonged wet conditions.

Characteristics

Sources differ on mature height, placing it at about 100–150 cm, while the few sources on mature spread report about 10–50 cm. It is reported to grow and produce offsets relatively vigorously, and potted plants may require regular repotting. The thick, leathery, rigid leaves are upright and sword-shaped to linear-lanceolate, ranging from dark green to grass green with transverse bands in gray-green or shades from pale to dark green; the leaves store water. Small tubular flowers arise in inflorescences from among the leaves and range from pale greenish white to creamy white; they can be sticky, and some are fragrant, with some sources describing nighttime fragrance, while sources differ on flowering and report that indoor plants rarely flower.

Light

Dracaena trifasciata tolerates low light but is better suited to bright conditions, including bright filtered indoor light or direct light for part of the day; guidance also recommends avoiding intense full sun under glass while allowing full sun outdoors where conditions are frost-free. It tolerates bright light or part shade.

Watering

It tolerates drought; allow the potting medium to dry before watering during active growth, avoid excessive moisture, and greatly reduce watering in winter because overwatering can cause root or rhizome rot. In winter, the watering interval is 30–60 days.

Humidity and airflow

It is generally reported to prefer low humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

The few available sources indicate a minimum temperature of about 10 °C. It is generally reported to rest in winter.

Growing medium and mounting

It needs a well-drained medium and can grow in loamy or sandy media; guidance also describes neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil and a potting mixture based on fine-grained akadama and fine-grained pumice. It needs a fast-draining mix and is prone to rot.

Feeding

During active growth, it is reported to accept slow-release chemical fertilizer or liquid fertilizer applied regularly.

Propagation

It can be propagated by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Leaf cuttings can develop roots before new shoots appear, and variegated cultivars propagated this way may lose their original variegation.

Common problems

Potential pests include scale insects, aphids, long-tailed mealybugs, banded greenhouse thrips, and weevils. Damping-off can occur, and prolonged excess moisture can lead to root rot; excessive watering and poor drainage are repeatedly noted as common causes of root rot. It tolerates drought and low humidity but is sensitive to low temperatures, frost, and wet winter conditions; cold winter conditions can cause leaves to collapse and die, and outdoor plants are best placed in frost-free, sheltered locations. Variegated cultivars may lose their variegation when propagated from leaf cuttings.

Identification

Dracaena trifasciata forms clumps from rhizomes and has rigid, upright, sword-shaped leaves distinguished by transverse bands of lighter and darker green or gray-green.

Photos

Dracaena trifasciata
📷 Mlogic · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source

Sources