Song of India (Dracaena reflexa) is an ornamental houseplant with glossy foliage, striped in yellow and green. This house plant, also called Pleomele, is an air-purifying indoor plant. A popular, easy-to-grow variety, Song of India has reed-like leaves, edged and streaked in soft gold. Song of India plant is described as variegated as the leaves are multi-coloured with bright green centres and yellow margins. The colours fade to light green and cream as the leaves age. The delicate golden streaking makes the Song of India a good choice for any dull corner of the living room. It is called Song of India as it originated in Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and other islands near the Indian Ocean. The plant usually grows up to about 3 feet indoors and has bushy, tree-type foliage.
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Song of India –Key facts
| Names: Song of India, Pleomele
Botanical name: Dracaena reflexa Genus: Dracaena Family: Asparagaceae Native to: Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique and other islands near the Indian Ocean Plant type: Shrub Maximum height: 3 feet (indoors); 6 to 15 feet (outdoors) Flower colour: White Bloom time: Winter Temperature: 18 to 24 degrees Celsius Light preference: Semi-shade to full sun Water preference: Moderate water Propagation method: Stem cutting Uses: Accent plants in tropical gardens. It is also an excellent air purifier plant. Poisonous for pets: Toxic to cats and dogs |
Song of India – Care and maintenance
Song of India, the clump-forming shrub, is a low-maintenance plant and ideal for beginners. You can plant Song of India in a garden or balcony in a partially shaded place. It can be kept indoors and is a great plant for offices.
Light requirements
The Song of India does not prefer direct sunlight. It grows best in low to medium, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can burn the leaves. However, low light will cause the plant’s yellow-lime striped vibrancy to fade and will turn the plant lanky.
Water
The Song of India requires less water than most indoor plants. When watering, let the water soak through to the roots and tip out any excess water. Always allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering. Soggy soil should be avoided. Ensure that the plant has good drainage. Reduce watering in winter. Place the plant on pebbles to ensure that the drain holes and the bottom of the pot are not submerged in water. Ideally, opt for water free from chlorine, fluorides and other chemicals to prevent brown leaf tips.
Soil and fertiliser
The Song of India likes well-drained soil. Make a mixture of regular potting soil and sand and perlite. Keep some rocks at the bottom of the pot and pour over the soil mix. The rocks prevent waterlogging and ensure better drainage. Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot diseases. Feed the Song of India plant every 15 to 20 days during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble, mild fertiliser.
Humidity
Song of India requires high humidity to flourish. Brown leaf tips are an indication of low humidity. If the air around the plant is too dry, use a humidifier or occasionally mist the plant to increase humidity.
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Song of India – Common problems
- Fusarium leaf spot is the most common pest to bother Song of India. It causes leaf spots, which may grow larger and turn reddish-brown or tan. Remove any affected leaves immediately.
- Brown tips indicate that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to check the soil moisture and water accordingly.
- Fertilise regularly to keep the plant healthy and green.
- Remove the lower leaves when they turn yellow.
- Clean the dust off the leaves with water and a soft sponge to help them breathe and look attractive.
- The Song of India can develop mealybugs, especially in new growth. It looks like white, cotton spots under the leaves. Remove the affected parts and keep the house plant outdoors. Spray with the force of water to remove pests and use an insecticide soap to get rid of any remaining bugs.
- Spider mites usually attack the plants if it is too warm and dry. For any insect attack or disease, use Neem oil spray as a basic treatment.
Types of Song of India
Over 100 plants in Song of India’s genus come from Africa and many of its species are nurtured as houseplants due to their tolerance to low light. Dracaena reflexa was first described by the French naturalist, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, in 1786. The dracaena is a remarkable and attractive plant. Its genus name, Dracaena, originates from the Greek word, drakaina, meaning ‘female dragon’. In this particular species, there are several cultivars:
- The Song of Jamaica plant is a tree-like Dracaena variety. It grows multiple stems and can reach up to 15 feet when kept outdoors. Rather than the chartreuse-coloured stripes of Song of India, Song of Jamaica’s leaf stripes are off-white.
- Dracaena reflexa, Variegata, has bright, lime-yellow leaf margins that contrast with dark green leaves. The foliage’s light colour matures to a creamy white with age.
- Dracaena surculosa (Gold Dust) is one of the most popular Dracaena plants. This variety is known for its unique leaves, which are variegated with yellow and green. This plant does not require much light or water and can tolerate low humidity levels.
- Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo) is easy to care for and can grow in a wide range of environments.
- The Dracaena trifasciata, the Snake Plant, is a popular plant grown indoors due to its low maintenance requirements and air purifying qualities.
- The Dracaena fragrans or Cornstalk have multiple stems and resemble a corn crop with a thick stem and draped glossy green leaves.
- Dracaena deremensis, the Corn Plant, is known for its lush deep-green leaves. It can grow outdoors in warm climates or indoors in containers in partial
Song of India – Propagation
The best way to propagate the Song of India is through stem cuttings. Cut a 6 inches long section. Ensure that there are at least two or more nodes on the cutting. Place the cutting in water or moist soil and wait for it to root. It will take a few weeks for them to grow. Once it has rooted, transplant it into a pot of its own. Place the pot in a shaded area and move it to brighter light only once the plant is established.
Song of India – Benefits
- The Song of India Plant, with its glossy green and yellow leaves, can add beauty to any garden or home décor. The Song of India plant was used in NASA’s clean air study, which proved that it can remove toxins from the environment. NASA considers this the top air-purifying plant.
- Tea made from the Song of India, mixed with other herbs, has several health benefits and is often used in traditional medicine. It is used for treating symptoms of malariaand curing dysentery, diarrhoea and dysmenorrhea.
FAQs
Is Song of India an indoor or outdoor plant?
A native of the most humid islands in the Indian Ocean, Song of India can thrive both indoors and outdoors with proper care.
Does the Song of India flower?
Song of India has clusters of tiny white flowers, which may change into reddish-orange berries. It does not often bloom when grown indoors but plants grown outside can bloom in late winter. Plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and humidity are essential for this plant to flower.
Is the Song of India toxic to pets?
Song of India is toxic for cats and dogs. Chewing any part of the plant will cause vomiting and a lack of appetite.