About Dracaena sanderiana Mast.
This plant, scientifically named Dracaena sanderiana Mast., is a perennial herb that grows up to 100 cm (39 in) tall. It has slightly twisted, gray-green leaves that reach around 23 cm (9 in) in length. Its fleshy stem sets it apart from true bamboo, and over time the stem becomes unstable from the added weight of new growth. Regular trimming is required to keep the plant's shape neat and manageable as it grows.
Dracaena sanderiana and its related varieties are widely grown as popular houseplants. It is well-suited for confined spaces, and grows best in indirect sunlight or partial shade; direct sunlight often causes its leaves to burn or turn yellow. The ideal temperature range for this species is 16 to 27 °C (61 to 81 °F). When planted in soil, it needs average warmth, adequate light, and regular watering with periods of dryness between waterings. It can tolerate dry air, but as a tropical plant, it grows best in areas with higher humidity or when misted regularly. When grown indoors, it remains small and compact while growing upright, giving it a bamboo-like appearance. By contrast, when planted in the ground, it loses this bamboo-like look and develops a leafy form similar to other dragon trees. It prefers bright, filtered sunlight like that found under a rainforest canopy, and direct sunlight should be avoided as it will scorch the leaves. It can be propagated by cutting a section of stem just above a node (the ring-like structures on the stem from which offshoots grow), and cuttings can be taken at any time of year.
