Song of India
Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India'
A Dracaena with thick arching stems and lance-shaped leaves edged in lime green and creamy yellow. Slow-growing and sculptural indoors when light stays bright and indirect and you let the top of the mix dry between waterings.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
Contains saponins, which are toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, drooling, dilated pupils (in cats), and loss of appetite.
Care Notes
Light
Place in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch leaves. Too little light fades the variegation.
Water
Let the top 1-2 inches dry between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot. Yellow leaves that drop often mean you are watering too often. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A peat-based mix with perlite keeps roots aerated. Avoid heavy, constantly wet soil.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep temperatures around 65-80°F. Average home humidity is usually enough; misting or a pebble tray helps in very dry rooms. Water less in winter as growth slows.
Common Issues
Faded margins mean more light. Soft stems and yellow leaves usually mean wet soil. Prune leggy stems for a fuller plant, and wipe leaves to remove dust.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with added perlite for aeration.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 6 feet indoors
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings taken in spring or summer, rooted in water or directly in moist soil.
Common Varieties
Song of Jamaica
Arching lance-shaped leaves with deep green margins and a lime-green central stripe.
Anita
Dense fountain-like canopy of narrow sword-shaped solid dark green leaves that reflex from upright woody stems.