Dracaena surculosa
Dracaena surculosa
Gold Dust Dracaena
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Taxonomy
Family Asparagaceae · Genus Dracaena
Common Names
Gold Dust DracaenaSpotted DracaenaFlorida Beauty Dracaena'Florida Beauty'
Context
nativeRegion
West and Central Africa (Guinea, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, DR Congo).
usdaZones
10-12 (outdoors) or as an indoor houseplant elsewhere.
companionPlants
Sansevieria, Aglaonema, Pothos
culturalUses
Popular as a decorative foliage plant for homes and offices; valued for its distinct spotted leaves resembling gold dust.
Care
Care Requirements
LightPrefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Avoid direct afternoon sun which may scorch leaves.
WateringWater moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter.
SoilWell-draining, loose potting mix; a blend with peat, perlite, and pine bark works well.
FertilizerFeed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength. No need to fertilize in winter.
HumidityPrefers moderate to high humidity. Benefits from regular misting or placement on a pebble tray.
TemperatureThrives in temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). Keep above 10°C (50°F).
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCompact, bushy evergreen shrub with branching stems; upright and clumping growth.
Mature SizeReaches up to 1 m (3 ft) high and wide when grown indoors.
Growth RateSlow to moderate growth rate.
BloomingSmall, inconspicuous, fragrant white flowers may appear in mature specimens, followed by orange-red berries.
DormancyNo true dormancy but growth slows in cooler months.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Division
DifficultyEasy to moderate; stem cuttings root reliably in warm, humid conditions.
Best SeasonSpring or early summer.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningTrim leggy or damaged stems to encourage bushiness. Remove yellow or dead leaves as needed.
RepottingRepot every 2-3 years or when rootbound, typically in spring.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot possible with overwatering.
ToxicityMildly toxic to pets if ingested (can cause vomiting, drooling).
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