Malaika Dracaena

• Low Maintenance
• Light Preference/Tolerated (Bright Indirect Light, Medium Light)
• Average Watering Needs
• Mature Height 12 Inches

When looking for a colorful, easy, compact plant to fit in a small, bright space, look no further than the Malaika Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis, Dragon Tree). This dwarf Dracaena has broad, flat leaves that are striped with lime, sage, and emerald green and white, packed in a rosette onto a sturdy central trunk. This variation of a classic Dracaena is bright like sunshine and requires little more than occasional water and consistent bright indirect light. 

Best Locations For Growing Malaika Dracaena

With its vivid variegation and coloring, the Malaika Dracaena will grow best in bright to medium indirect light, close to a window. Place this plant in a windowed office, tabletop in a kitchen or dining room, or perched on a shelf that needs a pop of color. Because of its lower water needs, the Malaika Dracaena works well in a bright spot that is more difficult to reach, without the worry of having to check on it daily. Dracaenas are toxic plants and should be placed out of reach of children or pets.

Malaika Dracaena Sunlight Requirements

Place the Malaika Dracaena directly in front of a north- or east-facing window for all-day bright indirect light. For a south- or west-facing window, position this plant to the side, so it can benefit from bright light without being damaged by intense afternoon sunlight. Plants with variegation do best in bright indirect light because of their lowered ability to photosynthesize. Outside of this light range, the Malaika Dracaena may lose its vibrant color and fail to thrive.

Malaika Dracaena Care

Dracaenas tend to be low-maintenance plants when kept in correct light and watered regularly but sparingly. Because they like to dry out a bit in between waterings, you can keep the Malaika Dracaena in the same pot for a few years at a time. When ready for repotting, provide this plant with a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous, with drainage holes. Use a potting mix that is full of organic matter and well draining. These plants are sensitive to salts, resulting in their leaf tips turning brown when watered with tap water. Use distilled, filtered, or rain water, or leave tap water out for at least 24 hours prior to use.

Watering Malaika Dracaena

Dracaenas are generally easier to overwater than underwater, especially when kept in lower light. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering thoroughly and deeply, until water flows out the bottom of the pot and the soil retains moisture. Dracaenas prefer dry soil over soggy soil, so always feel the soil prior to watering. 

Feeding Malaika Dracaena

Dracaenas are low-feeders and fertilizing is not super important in the first year or two. However, the Malaika Dracaena can benefit from occasional fertilizing in the spring and summer when it is experiencing the most growth. Dilute a houseplant fertilizer and water it into the soil once a month. Always follow dilution instructions as too much fertilizer can easily damage plant roots. There is no need to fertilize in the winter as plants are mostly dormant.