Plant care library / Dracaena Warneckii

How to care for Dracaena Warneckii

Shop this plantDracaena Warneckii

About Dracaena Warneckii

Originating from a tropical African climate, the Dracaena 'Warneckii' is a tender evergreen shrub that’s instantly recognizable by its sword-like gray-green leaves striped with dazzling white and green. Dracaena Warneckii is popular for its flexibility – it can be grown in the form of a long cane or a beautiful bush. Dracaena Warneckii are extremely adaptable and thus very easy to care for.

Other common names

  • Striped Dracaena
  • Dracaena White Stripe
  • Dragon plant
  • Female Dragon

How Often Should I Water My Dracaena Warneckii?

Self-watering is great for this plant as they provide the consistent and even moisture levels that it needs. With easyplant, watering your Dracaena Warneckii is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once a month and fill it when empty, and you're all set!


Water every 1 Month
Without an easyplant, Water Dracaena Warneckii when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, but do not let the soil become bone-dry. You should water your Dracaena Warneckii every 5 to 7 days, though the specific frequency may vary depending on the plant's location. It’s important to note that while Dracaena Warneckii plants can survive in drier environments and are relatively drought tolerant, too much dryness will lead to leaf tips turning brown.

Dracaena Warneckii Light Needs

Dracaena Warneckii grows best in a space with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused, and can also adapt to spaces with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

Like many houseplants, the Dracaena Warneckii prefers bright but indirect sunlight (with no direct sun exposure). If you choose to place your plant in a room that receives direct sun, it's best to use a sheer curtain or move the plant away from direct rays. At least four hours of bright, indirect sunlight is recommended for these plants, though they are shade and low-light tolerant. In the shade or low light, however, Dracaena Warneckii will grow at a much slower rate, and its foliage pattern may fade slightly. Ultimately, choosing an east or west-facing window will provide the best light for a Dracaena Warneckii. Curious about optimal lighting for plants? Our guide sheds light on the topic.

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Dracaena Warneckii Plant Care

As your plant matures, remove any yellow or dry leaves to encourage healthier growth and reduce debris. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month.

How Big Do Dracaena Warneckii Plants Grow?

The Dracaena Warneckii plant is very adaptable and shade-tolerant. If taken care of properly, these plants have an expected lifespan of roughly ten years. Dracaena Warneckii plants will reach 5 feet in height at maturity, or roughly five years. If grown outdoors, Dracaena Warneckii can reach an ultimate height of around 15-30 feet. It has a slow growth rate, making it a relatively easy plant to take care of indoors.

Temperature & Humidity

Ambient indoor temperatures are ideal for Dracaena Warneckii plants. The ideal temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity levels at 40 to 60 percent. Dracaena Warneckii makes such an excellent houseplant because they are a forgiving plant and can tolerate a range of soils, light, and temperatures. However, sudden temperature changes can cause adverse effects on the plant, so keep them away from windows, vents, and other areas, which can cause temperature fluctuations.

Are Dracaena Warneckii Toxic for Pets & Kids?

Dracaena species plants contain saponins that are mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses or livestock, with the potential to cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and dilated pupils (in cats) when ingested. If your pet or livestock has ingested any part of this plant, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dracaena Warneckii plants are not toxic to children and can make a great addition to households with kids. However, as is always the case with any houseplant, make sure to keep an eye out for curious little hands and watch for signs like lethargy or vomiting that may indicate that your child has ingested some of the plant.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Dracaena Warneckii

If you notice leaves are showing discoloration or looking scorched, it’s likely because of excessive heat exposure or harsh light, so make sure the leaves are not touching a hot windowpane or receiving too much direct sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dracaena Warneckii Plant

  • Are Warneckii good indoor plants?
    Open Are Warneckii good indoor plants?
    Warneckii Dracaena is a great choice for an indoor plant. They are easy to care for and provide a beautiful accent to your home or office. Warneckii Dracaena plants require low maintenance and are also kid-friendly, making them a great choice for households with children. However, if you have pets in the home, make sure to keep an eye out, as the Warneckii Dracaena is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.
  • How much light does a dracaena Warneckii need?
    Open How much light does a dracaena Warneckii need?
    Dracaena Warneckii plants prefer bright but indirect sunlight with no direct sun exposure. At least four hours of bright, indirect sunlight is recommended for these plants, though they are shade and low-light tolerant. An east or west-facing window will typically provide the best light for a Dracaena Warneckii.
  • How do you care for a Warneckii Dracaena?
    Open How do you care for a Warneckii Dracaena?
    Warneckii Dracaena plants require bright but indirect sunlight, temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and a monthly watering schedule with regular waterings when the top inch of soil is dry or with a self-watering easy plant system. Caring for these plants is generally easy as they are low-maintenance, adaptable plants that can tolerate a range of soils, light, and temperatures.
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