Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which this plant dislikes.
Also known as Bambu Jepang · Florida Beauty · Gold Dust Dracaena
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Gold-dust Dracaena (Dracaena surculosa) is a tropical shrub with striking foliage, featuring dark green leaves speckled with yellow, resembling gold dust.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some shade, but may lose variegation.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid soggy soil.
Well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mixture with perlite or sand.
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in average room temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Mildly toxic if ingested, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in pets and humans.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering frequency in winter.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, which this plant dislikes.
Prune to maintain shape or to remove leggy stems. Use clean, sharp shears to make cuts just above a leaf node. This encourages bushier growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves promptly to maintain plant health.
Propagate from stem cuttings, typically taken in spring or summer. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm location with bright, indirect light until roots form.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repotting is best done in spring before active growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Gold-Dust Dracaena (Dracaena surculosa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Genus | Dracaena |
| Species | Dracaena surculosa |
Similar in genus Dracaena
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
