Dracaena Reflexa – Song of India Plant

Nowadays, everyone seeks to become a plant parent and adopt a few houseplants. The vibrant green-colored leaves of the Song of India Plant are sure to enhance your home’s appearance and brighten up your mood. There is no better plant to start gardening with or include in your growing house plant collection than the Song of India Plant.

 

This plant is also known as Dracaena Reflexa, and this plant is easy to care for since it is sturdy yet stunning. No previous gardening experience is required. If you know this plant is a perfect fit for you, read on further to learn more about what it is, how to care for it, its benefits, and more!

 

What Are Song of India Plants?

The Song of India Plant (Dracaena Reflexa) is one of about 120 plants in the Dracaena genus. The name Dracaena comes from the ancient Greek word for female dragon. Also known as the Pleomele Plant, it is a flowering plant that is native to the tropical islands of the Indian Ocean, such as Mauritius and Madagascar.

 

With tree-like features, the Song of India Plant starts from the bottom up with a root system that has a light cream-colored thick stem. Multiple small trunks branch out from the single stem with a spiral arrangement of leaves at the end.

 

The long sword-like leaves have alternating shades of green stripes, outlined with a yellow-cream color. The leaves are glossy and arch over a slight curve. Although it occurs rarely, these plants are capable of blooming fragrant small white flowers during the winter.

 

Care Tips:

 

• Song of India Plant Size: In its native habitats, the Song of India Plant can grow between 18 to 20 feet. Although it is tall, you do not need to worry about reaching those heights as a houseplant because it only grows to about 3 feet tall indoors. Each leaf can also grow up to 7 to 12 inches long and a few inches wide.
• Light Needed for Song of India Plants: The Dracaena Reflexa can handle low-light conditions but does best when provided with a few hours of indirect bright sunlight each day. The leaves can become scorched and discolored if overexposed to direct sunlight.
• How Often to Water a Song of India: Allow the potting soil to completely dry out before watering it. This plant requires frequent watering during spring and summer and less during the winter. Be careful not to overwater the plant, or root rot can set in.
• Temperatures a Song of India Can Thrive in: The Song of India Plant can adapt to average room temperatures and humidity. It prefers higher humidity which can be mimicked by misting the leaves with a water spray bottle. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 65-75°F.

 

Why Choose a Song of India Plant?

The Song of India has other interesting features that make it a must-have! Besides being an ornamental house plant, the Dracaena Reflexa has the right qualities to become either your very first plant and be one of your favorites as your collection grows.

 

Easy to Grow

Plant care requirements for this Dracaena are extremely simple and easy, which is why they can be the ideal choice for first-time plant owners. Song of India plants can handle some neglect if your days turn into weeks and you forget to water them at times.

 

People feel accomplished after being able to take care of the Song of India Plant. Although this plant experiences slow growth, plant parents will feel a boost of confidence from maintaining the healthy, vibrant leaf colors.

 

Increases Humidity

Like all plants, the Song of India Plant can feed and absorb nutrients using photosynthesis. Water is a key component of that process. The water absorbed is then released as moisture in the surrounding air.

 

Owning a couple of Dracaena Reflexa plants can increase humidity and reduce dry air in your home. Dry air can trigger allergies or other breathing concerns. Studies have shown that owning indoor plants can reduce health-related issues associated with old buildings.

 

Improves Concentration

Houseplants can not only make a room more beautiful, but they can help increase focus. A research study focused on how green leaves can stimulate elementary students’ minds showed that being surrounded by plants can improve attentiveness.

 

The Song of India Plant is also great for office spaces to help workers stay concentrated. Parents can also keep a couple of these plants around the table while their children complete this school work to help them stay focused.

 

 

Are Song of India Plants Good Indoors & Outdoors?

Although it is better suited for being grown indoors than outside, the Song of India Plant can be grown in both locations as long as the plant owner adjusts the care requirements accordingly. One of the main reasons people have better experiences with houseplants is that they are less exposed to natural elements plants can face outdoors.

 

Here are a few things to consider when growing this plant indoors and outside:

 

• Propagation: Instead of deciding whether to keep this plant indoors or outside, it is better to propagate one of the leaves and keep one plant indoors and another outside. Remove one of the lower leaves using pruning scissors and place it in clean water. Once the roots are established, you can transfer them to a pot or garden outdoors.

• Potting Soil: If grown outside or in a pot, make sure to use well-draining and nutrient-rich soil so the plant’s roots have enough air space. You can also add fertilizer made with a 10-10-10 blend diluted in water to promote growth.

• Plant Pests: If you decide to keep your plant outdoors, keep in mind that it might be more susceptible to plant pests like spider mites, scales, and mealybugs.

• Weather Conditions: Indoor conditions are more suitable for the Song of India Plant. If kept outdoors, this plant will have to endure changing weather and fluctuating temperatures, negatively impacting its growth and survival. If you plan to keep it outdoors, keep it shaded and move it indoors when the weather is not suitable.

 

Are Song of India Plants Pet and Children Friendly?

Song of India Plants is toxic to pets and friendly with children. This plant is not toxic to the touch, but irritation or sickness can occur if a child or pet accidentally eats one of the leaves. It’s best to place this place somewhere your small children and pets cannot reach it.

 

For pets like cats and dogs, ingesting any part of the plant can be slightly poisonous. Most pets will not develop a taste for this plant since it has a bitter taste. However, if your pet ate any part of this plant, it might experience some of the following symptoms:

 

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Drooling
• Loss of Appetite

 

If you suspect that your child or pet accidentally ingested part of this plant, contact your local hospital, veterinarian, or poison control center for further assistance.

 

Dracaena Reflexa Plant Family Relatives

The Dracaena genus consists of many suitable houseplants with similar care needs as the Song of India Plant. These plants are just as hardy and come in unique shapes and sizes. Here are three Dracaena relatives you can add to your home:

 

• Snake Plant: One of the hardiest houseplants available, the Snake Plant gets its name from the upright green-striped leaves that resemble the skin of a snake. If you live somewhere with not enough bright light, this plant can withstand neglect and low light conditions.

• Dracaena Lemon Surprise: Like the Song of India Plant, this Dracaena is highly regarded for its bright yellow and green leaves. It is fully capable of adapting to most living conditions.

• Dracaena Janet Craig: If you want a visually stunning plant to improve your desk’s appearance, then the Dracaena Janet Craig has you covered! The sword-like dark green leaves can handle office air conditioners and irregular watering.

 

Plants That Are Similar to the Song of India Plant

Outside of the Dracaena genus are hundreds of plants that are gorgeous and easy to care for. Diversify your houseplant collection by including any of these plants.

 

• Curly Spider Plant: This plant is pet-friendly, so you do not need to worry about cats or dogs chewing up the Curly Spider Plant. Its beautiful green and cream-colored leaves curl out of the stem.

• Succulent Jade: Succulent plants are known for being drought-resistant and hardy plants. The Succulent Jade symbolizes good luck. The leaves are oval-shaped and durable.

• Pothos Neon: If you want a boost of color to your home, then the Pothos Neon is a must-have houseplant! This durable plant requires minimal care and be kept in a hanging pot and grown to have a vine-like appearance.

 

Final Thoughts – Dracaena Reflexa – Song of India Plant

There is no denying how important plants are to improving the appearance of a room and boosting a person’s wellness. With the Song of India Plant, you adopt a plant that will bring a tropical look and laidback vibe to your home. If you want to check out other cool plants, visit our site at Planted Pot!