DIG THIS
Lemon Lime Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans 'lemon lime' ) is a relatively new variety of dracaena. Bred for its bold neon-green and yellow stripes in the 1990s, the lemon-lime dracaena quickly became a top pick for homes and offices for its bold look and tolerance of indoor conditions.
This variety is the true “90s kid” of the plant world.
Needs Some Love
Indirect Sunlight
Water When Dry
Not Pet Safe
INDIRECT SUNLIGHT
AVOID HARSH, DIRECT SUN
Avoid placing a Lemon Lime Dracaena in direct sunlight. Its delicate leaves can be susceptible to leave scorch.
Although it can tolerate lower light conditions, you may notice duller leaves and slower growth. Bright, filtered light is best!
FIND YOUR LIGHT
Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.
SOUTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹
EAST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹
⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants
WEST-FACING WINDOW
⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹
⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants
NORTH-FACING WINDOW
⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹
⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!
WATER WHEN DRY
Give Dracaena a thorough soak rather than small, frequent waterings. Water until it drains out, then let the soil dry before the next drink.
Pro tip
Avoid using tap water if you can.
Lemon Lime Dracaenas are especially prone to fluoride and chlorine burn.
If you notice its leaf tips crisping or turning brown, use filtered, distilled or rain water.
MODERATE HUMIDITY
This tropical plant is surprisingly adaptable to indoor humidity.
SOIL
LEMON LIME DRACAENA DIGS A LIGHT AND AIRY MIX
When choosing a potting mix for this houseplant, look for mixes that include:
PERLITE
Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.
PUMICE
Looks like very tiny, gray and white pebbles. Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.
COMMON ISSUES
YELLOWING
Dracaena is naturally shedding OR it is being overwatered.
As new leaves form from the center of the dracaena, older leaves will naturally yellow and dry out. This is not a cause for alarm! It is part of its natural growth cycle. Simply remove the dead leaves.
However, if the soil is drenched, yellowing leaves could be a sign of its roots needing a break from all the water.
In this case, adjust your watering schedule. Make sure the pot has good drainage and only water when the top few inches of soil are dry!
BROWNING / CRISPING
Often due to tap water sensitivity (fluoride/chlorine) or low humidity.
Opt for filtered, distilled, or rain water instead of tap. Lemon Lime Dracaena is notoriously sensitive to harsh chemicals in water.
It usually is not fussy about humidity, but if you live in a very dry climate, consider using a humidifier to boost humidity levels.
SNIPPING BROWN TIPS
FADED/DULL
A sign of not enough sunlight.
Make sure your Lemon Lime Dracaena is getting enough filtered light throughout the day!
Dark corners or north-facing windows may be insufficient. Move this plant to a brighter spot to ensure leaf color improves.*
*Remember to keep out of direct sunlight.
BLEACHED STREAKS/BROWN PATCHES
Likely caused by too much direct sunlight, especially if discoloration is on the side facing the window.
Move your Lemon Lime Dracaena out of direct sunlight immediately! Remove affected leaves. Place in an area with bright, indirect light.
PESTS
Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Scale
PERLITE