Dracaena

Dracaena is a large genus of tropical plants native to Africa, southern Asia, and northern Australia. The genus now includes plants previously classified as Sansevieria (Snake Plants), meaning it covers a huge variety of forms and sizes. Dracaenas are grown primarily as houseplants for their bold, structural foliage, long lifespan, and remarkable tolerance of indoor conditions including low light and dry air.

Dracaenas are low-maintenance plants well suited to a range of environments. Place them in bright to moderate indirect light, avoiding direct sun which can scorch the leaves. Water only when the top half of the compost has dried out, as overwatering is the most common cause of problems. Use a well-draining potting mix, feed lightly in spring and summer, and keep them away from cold draughts and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.

Yes, most Dracaena species are considered mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Keep Dracaenas out of reach of pets, or consider a pet-safe alternative. Browse our pet-safe plant collection for options that are safe for cats and dogs.

Most Dracaenas adapt well to a range of light conditions, from moderate indirect light to brighter spots out of direct sun. Variegated varieties such as Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor' prefer brighter light to maintain their colour, while plain green varieties and Snake Plants tolerate lower light levels better than most houseplants. Avoid placing any Dracaena in deep shade or in direct sunlight, which can bleach or burn the foliage.

Some leaf drop on Dracaenas is perfectly normal, particularly from the lower leaves as the plant matures. If leaf drop is more widespread, the most common causes are overwatering (check that the soil is not staying soggy), too little light, cold draughts, or the roots drying out completely. Yellow, mushy leaves usually indicate overwatering, while dry, crispy leaf tips often signal low humidity or inconsistent watering.

Yes. Snake Plants, previously classified as Sansevieria, were officially reclassified as Dracaena in 2017 following DNA analysis. So Sansevieria trifasciata is now correctly called Dracaena trifasciata, though you will still see both names used in common usage. Snake Plants are among the most popular and resilient houseplants available, and you can find our full range in the Snake Plants collection.