Dracaena (plant) Facts for Kids

Dracaena (say "dra-SEE-na") is a group of about 40 different kinds of trees and succulent shrubs. A succulent plant is one that stores water in its leaves or stems. The name comes from an Ancient Greek word, drakaina, which means "female dragon". Many Dracaena plants are found naturally in warm parts of Africa. Some also grow in Southeast Asia and tropical South America.

A very old Dragon Tree (D. draco)
D. reflexa
D. sanderiana, usually better known as Lucky bamboo

Dracaena ellenbeckiana
Dracaena surculosa

What are Dracaena Plants?
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What are Dracaena Plants?

Dracaena is a genus of plants, which means it's a group of plants that are closely related. These plants are known for their strong stems and often have long, sword-shaped leaves. Some Dracaena plants can grow into tall trees, while others stay small and bushy.

Where Do They Grow?

Most Dracaena plants are native to tropical areas. This means they naturally grow in places with warm weather all year round. A lot of them come from different parts of Africa. You can also find some types in Southeast Asia and in tropical South America.

Types of Dracaena

Dracaena plants are usually put into two main groups based on how they grow:

Dragon Trees

These Dracaena plants grow into large, tree-like shapes. They often have thick trunks and a crown of leaves at the top. The most famous one is the Dragon Tree from the Canary Islands. These trees can live for a very long time.

Shrubby Dracaenas

This group includes smaller, bushier plants. They often have thinner stems and can be grown easily in pots. Many of these shrubby Dracaenas are popular as houseplants because they are easy to care for indoors.

Growing Dracaena at Home

Many people enjoy growing Dracaena plants inside their homes. They are known for being tough and can handle different conditions. They are also good at cleaning the air. Some popular types for homes include Dracaena fragrans (often called Corn Plant) and Dracaena sanderiana (known as Lucky Bamboo).