Bauer's Dracaena Care

Characteristics

• Bauer's dracaena sometimes is called Bauer's dracaena palm because of its resemblance to a tropical palm. It has long, thin, sword-like leaves that are burgundy, with lighter stripes along their length. An upright, rapidly growing plant, its leaves originate from the base, giving it an overall vase-like shape. Bauer's dracaena eventually can become 10 feet tall and spread to cover 5 feet when grown outdoors under ideal conditions. A mature specimen grown as a perennial in warm areas eventually can lose some lower leaves, providing about 3 feet of clearance below the plant where shorter plants can grow.

Sun and Soil

• Bauer's draecena does best when grown outdoors in full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, the ideal spot is one that gets morning sun and several hours of shifting shade in the afternoon. The plant tolerates salty conditions and is a good choice for a coastal location. It also thrives in any type of well-drained garden soil, but doesn't do well in soil that tends to stay soggy for long periods. If you soil is high in clay and tends to hold water, you can add some fine sand at planting to improve its drainage.

Water and Fertilizer

• Bauer's draecena is a tropical plant that needs regular moisture. Watering weekly helps keep the plant healthy, and extra water is helpful during dry spells. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch at the plant's root zone helps conserve soil moisture, while also keeping down weeds that compete for soil nutrients. Adding a controlled-release, granular fertilizer in early spring gives the plant a good start each season. Use a balanced, 10-10-10 formula, mixing about 1 tablespoon into the soil at the plant's base, but check the product label for any additional directions.

Indoors

• Bauer's draecena also does well grown in a container, either year-round as a houseplant or moved outdoors during the warm summer months. A houseplant does best in a bright spot, such as near a west- or south-facing window. During the winter months, ensure the plant isn't exposed to any cold drafts at doors or windows. If you move a potted specimen outdoors for the warm season, expose it to sun gradually, adding an hour or two of sun each day to allow the plant to adapt and prevent scorching of its foliage.