Lemon Dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Lemon Lime')

The lemon dracaena is a tropical shrub, characterized by having lanceolate and variegated leaves. As it does not resist the cold, when you live in a region where the climate is temperate, it is important that you grow it indoors, at least during the winter, since otherwise it would suffer very serious damage.

But this is not a problem, since not only does it not grow much, but it is also possible to keep it in a pot. Although, on the other hand, you can enjoy it outside if you wish, but only while the weather is good; that is, as long as temperatures remain above 15 degrees Celsius.

Characteristics of the Drácena Limón

It is a plant that is not found in nature, since it is a cultivar of Dracaena fragrans. Of this species it is necessary to know that it is native to tropical Africa, and that can reach a height of up to 6 meters. The leaves are usually green, but in the case of our protagonist, they are variegated, since they have a dark green central line, and the rest are lighter green.

It is popularly known as lemon dracaena, but its scientific name is Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime'. This is very easy to care for, as we are going to tell you next.

Caring for the lemon dracena

How to take care of it? Well, it is important to make it clear that it can be cared for like any other dracaena. The fact that it has variegated leaves does not mean that we should give it special maintenance. But of course, if we have never had one, it is logical that we want to know what we have to do to make it grow without difficulty.

So let's do it:

Where should it be placed?

This will depend a lot on our tastes and preferences, as well as the temperatures in the area where we want to have it. Therefore, you have to know that it does not like being cold at all, and that it needs a lot of light. Starting from this, You can decide to keep it in a very bright room, or outside in semi-shade.

In addition, it is important to know that it does not support strong air currents, and that it requires high air humidity. Thus, if you live in a place where said humidity is less than 50%, you will have to spray its leaves with water every day, as long as it is not in the sun.

What type of soil do you need?

It will depend on whether it will be in the garden or planted in a pot. In the first case, the soil must be rich in organic matter, and with good drainage; in the second, we will put universal culture substrate as this or one for green plants like this. Also, it is important that the pot has holes in its base.

When should you water the lemon dracaena?

It is a shrub that does not resist drought, but excess water also harms it greatly. Thus, it is important that it is watered several times a week during the summer, and more spaced during the rest of the year. The frequency of watering will vary a lot depending on the weather and where we have the dracaena, therefore, so that you know when to water, I recommend that you check the humidity of the soil before doing so, as we indicate in this video:

Use rainwater whenever you can, since it is the most suitable for both the dracaena and any other plant. In the event that you cannot get it, water with one that is suitable for human consumption.

And, by the way, don't pour just one glass, since the roots that are lower down would not be hydrated and the plant would have a hard time. Always always you have to pour water until the soil is well soaked. If it is in a pot, you must do it until it comes out through the holes in it, and if it is on the ground, you must continue watering until you see that it is very wet.

When should it be transplanted?

The Lemon Dracaena is a plant that grows rather slowly. This is interesting, as it means that he will not need many transplants throughout his life. However, when do you have to do it? When it has been in the same pot for more than 3 years, or when the roots come out through the holes in the container. In addition, it will be done in spring, when temperatures are high (above 15ºC).

Does it have to be paid?

Yes, it must be paid from the beginning of spring to the end of summer. For this, we will use natural and ecological fertilizers, such as manure or guano. Also if we prefer we can apply some fertilizer, such as the one that is specific for green plants such as this or a universal one like this, but you have to follow the instructions for use.

What is its resistance to cold?

It is practically nil. Hold up to 0 degrees, but not without taking some damage. Frost kills it; hence it is necessary to protect it from them.

We hope that these tips have been interesting for you to take care of your lemon dracaena.