The African Spike Plant, Dracaena surculosa, offers a distinctive aesthetic with its unique speckled foliage. Its glossy green leaves are adorned with yellow or cream spots, creating a “gold dust” appearance. This shrub-like plant’s compact size makes it a popular choice for indoor settings.
Identifying African Spike Plant
The African Spike Plant is widely known as Gold Dust Dracaena or Spotted Dracaena. Its scientific name is Dracaena surculosa. This evergreen shrub is native to tropical regions of West Africa.
Distinctive features include slender, wiry stems, typically brown and growing up to 15 to 20 cm high. The leaves are oval or lance-shaped, glossy, and dark green, measuring about 7-12 cm long. These leaves are speckled with creamy yellow or white spots, giving the plant its common names. Young leaves exhibit more vibrant yellow or golden variegation, which may fade to cream or white as they mature.
Essential Care for African Spike Plant
Light Requirements
The African Spike Plant thrives in bright, indirect light conditions, which helps maintain the vibrancy of its speckled foliage. Placing the plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a north-facing window is often suitable. While it can tolerate lower light levels, insufficient light may cause the variegation to fade or leaves to drop. Conversely, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to browning or fading of the yellow speckles.
Watering Needs
Proper watering involves allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root decay, while underwatering can also cause issues. During the active growing season, the plant typically requires more frequent watering, which should be reduced in winter. Ensure proper drainage, emptying excess water from the saucer.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix is important for the African Spike Plant, as it is sensitive to overly wet conditions. A peat-based mix or a general houseplant potting soil is suitable. Pots with drainage holes are essential to prevent water accumulation at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. This plant does not require frequent repotting and often prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Temperature and Humidity
The African Spike Plant prefers average room temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 27°C (65°F and 80°F). It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be protected from drafts or temperatures below 13°C (55°F). While it tolerates average indoor humidity levels, it benefits from slightly higher humidity. Increasing humidity can be achieved through misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilization
African Spike Plants are not heavy feeders. During the growing season, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied monthly. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during winter. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Propagating African Spike Plant
Propagating the African Spike Plant is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings that are 8-15 cm long, ensuring each cutting has at least one to three leaves and a few leaf nodes.
The cuttings can be rooted in either water or a moist soil mixture. If rooting in water, submerge the lower end of the cutting. For soil propagation, plant the cuttings in a moist soil mix, keeping it consistently moist. Placing a clear plastic bag over the cuttings can create a humid environment, encouraging rooting.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on an African Spike Plant indicate overwatering, insufficient light, or cold temperatures. Allowing the soil to dry adequately between waterings and ensuring the plant receives bright, indirect light can address these concerns.
Brown leaf tips or edges can result from low humidity, irregular watering, or a buildup of salts from tap water or over-fertilization. Increasing humidity with a pebble tray, maintaining consistent watering, and occasionally flushing the soil can help. Pest infestations, such as spider mites and mealybugs, can affect the plant and be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leggy growth, characterized by elongated stems and sparse foliage, suggests the plant is not receiving enough light.