The Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ is a popular indoor plant known for its striking appearance. Its deep green, sword-like leaves are beautifully contrasted by prominent white stripes. This compact cultivar is chosen for its elegant, upright growth, making it an attractive tabletop or floor plant. It stands out due to its distinctive variegation and is a low-maintenance option for plant enthusiasts.
Dracaena White Jewel Care
Light
Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant away from direct sunlight, which scorches leaves. Brighter conditions enhance variegation and growth, but this plant tolerates lower light.
Watering
Allow soil to dry partially between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal problems, as Dracaenas prefer drier soil. Check moisture by feeling the top inch or two. Water every 7 to 10 days in winter and up to three times a week in summer, depending on humidity. Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater, or aged tap water, as these plants are sensitive to salts, chlorine, and fluoride.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix prevents soggy soil. Mix soil with perlite or a blend of peat, perlite, and potting soil for proper drainage. Use containers with ample drainage holes. These plants prefer to be slightly root-bound. When repotting, go up only one to two pot sizes every two to three years as roots emerge.
Temperature and Humidity
Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ prefers average household temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F (18-24°C). Temperatures below 55°F (12°C) harm the plant. The plant benefits from increased humidity, though it tolerates average household levels (40-60%). Misting or a water-filled pebble tray boosts humidity in dry environments.
Fertilizing
Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ has modest nutrient requirements. During the active growing season in spring and summer, apply a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer once or twice monthly. Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer, monthly in fall, and not during winter. Adhere to the recommended dosage, as over-fertilization leads to browning leaf tips.
Common Problems and Solutions
Browning Leaf Tips/Edges
Browning leaf tips or edges often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering, where soil has been dry too long. This also signals fluoride, chlorine, or salt buildup from tap water. Ensure consistent watering, boost humidity, and use filtered, distilled, or aged tap water.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves result from overwatering, which causes root rot if soil remains soggy. It can also indicate nutrient deficiency or natural aging. Adjust watering to allow soil to dry sufficiently between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. If overwatering is ruled out, apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Pests
Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests drain sap, leading to stunted growth or discoloration. Regularly inspect your plant, especially undersides of leaves, to detect early infestations. Treatment involves wiping leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.
Limp or Drooping Leaves
Limp or drooping leaves signal either underwatering or root rot from overwatering. If soil is excessively dry, the plant may wilt. Prolonged wet soil drowns roots, causing them to rot and leaves to droop.
Check soil moisture carefully; if dry, water thoroughly. If soggy, reduce watering frequency and ensure good drainage. Removing affected leaves and repotting into fresh, well-draining soil may be necessary for root rot.
Propagation
Stem Cuttings
Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ propagates well using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section, 4-6 inches long, including at least one node and a few leaves. Cut just below a leaf node with a clean, sharp knife or scissors, removing any lower leaves that would be submerged. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged, or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Roots develop within weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted into soil.
Air Layering
Air layering is an alternative propagation method for larger plants. This technique involves cutting partway through a healthy branch and creating a small wound on the underside. Wrap moist sphagnum moss around the wounded area, keeping it consistently moist until roots form directly on the stem. Once rooted, separate the new plant section from the parent plant and pot it.
Toxicity and Safety
Pet Safety
The Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ is toxic to common household pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins, which cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and loss of appetite. Keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Child Safety
All parts of the Dracaena ‘White Jewel’ are poisonous to humans if ingested. While not life-threatening, ingestion causes irritation and gastrointestinal symptoms. For households with small children, place the plant where it cannot be easily accessed or choose alternative non-toxic plants.