Plant care library / Hawaiian Sunshine
How to Care for Hawaiian Sunshine
About Hawaiian Sunshine
Hailing from Africa, Hawaiian Sunshine, or Dracaena Deremensis, is named after the Derema Forest in Tanzania. As the original Deremensis was no longer being cultivated, it was replaced by its resilient, adaptable, and air-purifying daughter - Hawaiian Sunshine, striped with a breathtaking chartreuse green stripe across its glossy, forest green foliage. As it evolves, Dracaena Hawaiian Sunshine will drop a few lower leaves to be replaced by newer leaves on top.
Other common names
- Corn Plant
- Striped Dracaena
- Dracaena deremensis
- Hawaiian Sunshine Dracaena
- Dracaena fragrans
How Often Should I Water My Hawaiian Sunshine?
With easyplant, watering your Hawaiian Sunshine is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once a month and fill it when empty, and you're all set!
To properly care for the Hawaiian Sunshine plant without a self-watering pot, it's important to avoid completely drying out the soil and thus warrant regular watering – ideally once or twice every week, depending on location. The key is maintaining moist soil, so don't let your plant sit in too much water. Choosing a self-watering method can help maintain consistent moisture levels without under or overwatering – which is especially important for the Hawaiian Sunshine plant, as it's vulnerable to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Hawaiian Sunshine Light Needs
Hawaiian Sunshine grows best in a well lit space with bright direct or indirect sunlight, and can adapt to spaces with medium to low light, where the source of light is further away. Avoid placing it in spaces without natural sunlight.
The Hawaiian Sunshine plant is one of the few dracaena species that can tolerate higher levels of light, but even this variety should be shielded from direct sun to avoid burned leaves. If you wish to keep your dracaenas near a window, choose an east or north-facing one, as these provide indirect sunlight ideal for such plants. Most other varieties will happily grow in low-light conditions.
Hawaiian Sunshine Plant Care
On your Hawaiian Sunshine's first few days at home, it may lose several leaves, or leaves may turn yellow as it adjusts to its new home. This is no reason for concern. Simply shake off or cut the leaf, and look forward to new and better-adjusted leaves.
To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune it to your liking.
How Big Do Hawaiian Sunshine Plants Grow?
Hawaiian Sunshine grows slowly, gradually developing into a small indoor tree reaching four to six feet tall after several years. As it grows tall, the trunk becomes bare, and the bottom leaves become yellow and fall off. This allows new leaves to grow up top, giving it its tree-like appearance.
This plant form will grow upright, reaching an average of up to five feet high with a spread of thirty inches within three years. When cultivating a plant indoors, numerous components play an integral role in determining its eventual height, coverage, and overall success. These aspects include the size of the pot, the daily light exposure, watering frequency and consistency, trimming routine, and repotting schedule.
Temperature & Humidity
Thriving in your home, this houseplant can handle a range of temperatures but prefers to stay between 60 - 85°F. Ensure you keep your Hawaiian Sunshine away from any drafty windows and air conditioners, as a dip in temperature can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
Hawaiian Sunshine prefers humid conditions but is adaptable to lower levels as well. As the air indoors becomes drier in winter, spray its leaves with water occasionally for additional moisture and put a humidifier nearby to keep its humidity levels perfectly optimized.
Are Hawaiian Sunshine Toxic for Pets & Kids?
Hawaiian Sunshine may be moderately toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep away from curious children and pets. The Dracaena plant contains a chemical compound called saponin, which is highly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part of this plant can be hazardous for your beloved pet, so it's best to keep them away from it completely.
For cats, common symptoms such as vomiting (potentially with blood present), depression, lack of appetite, excessive drooling, and dilated pupils are observed. On the other hand, dogs may present with oral irritation and excessive drooling. If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of this plant, contact a vet immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Hawaiian Sunshine
If you notice multiple leaves are beginning to lose their color, relocate the pot to a more brightly lit location. If you notice multiple leaves are becoming brown or crispy, relocate the pot to a more indirectly lit location.
Not enough water or arid conditions can cause the plant to experience dry tips and edges. Alternatively, overwatering may lead to leaf loss and root rot due to inadequate drainage. If your dracaena has endured too much water, it will display signs of sudden leaf drop or fatal root rot.
This plant is at risk of being infested by mites, mealybugs, and thrips. To reduce the chance of pests, make sure to keep your plant well-watered during summer when mites are particularly active in drier conditions. You can also occasionally wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, as it can help eliminate eggs of pests and generally improve the appearance of the plant spray neem oil mixed with water onto the leaves and cut off heavily infested leaves to eliminate these insects from your indoor garden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawaiian Sunshine Plant
- How big do Dracaena Deremensis get?Hawaiian Sunshine typically grows to a height of 6 feet to 8 feet but can reach up to 10 feet. Conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity all influence its growth rate.
- Is Dracaena Deremensis an indoor plant?Hawaiian Sunshine is an ideal plant for indoors. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and can survive in dimmer or brighter conditions depending on your preference. Keep it away from any drafty windows and air conditioners, as a dip in temperature could cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- How often should I water Dracaena Deremensis?It's important to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water about once a week during summer and reduce watering frequency during winter. Self-watering is the best way to maintain consistent moisture levels. Utilize the easyplant self-watering pot to prevent potential root rot and other fungal diseases.
- Is a Hawaiian Sunshine plant easy to care for?The Hawaiian Sunshine plant is easy to care for and will bring a splash of tropical vibes into your home. It always prefers slightly moist soil, occasional pruning and dusting of the leaves, and adequate ventilation. With regular maintenance, you will be rewarded with beautiful foliage that can last for many years!