spike plants

Dracaena, or spike plant, was traditionally considered a houseplant for years. However, it is finding favor in annual container gardens where the spiky upright leaves provide height and textural contrast to bushy and cascading annual flowers.

Can you bring Spike plants over winter?

According to Wallish Greenhouses, the best way to overwinter dracaena spikes in colder areas is by moving them indoors. If the dracaena spikes are in planters, this is an easy job, and you will only need distilled water and a watering can.

How do you take care of a spike plant?

Dracaena Spikes (Dracaena indivisa)
Plant Feed. Fertilize regularly for best display.Watering. Keep soil evenly moist.Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil.Basic Care Summary. Very easy to grow in virtually any location. Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist, watering freely in dry weather.

How do you overwinter dracaena?

Bring the container indoors and place it in a warm location that receives indirect sunlight. Throughout the winter, the plant will need only occasional watering when soil becomes dry. Replant into the garden next season when all chance of frost has passed.

Can spikes grow in shade?

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

Are Spike plants toxic to cats?

Can Pets Eat Dracaena Plants? The short answer is no. Dracaena is toxic to both cats and dogs. Or rather saponin, a chemical compound that is found in the plant, is toxic to them.

What is a wave petunia?

Wave petunias are aggressive ground covering annuals that can be grown from seed —often making these plants the more affordable option. Due to their spreading nature, Wave petunias grow great in flower beds and gardens; they can also grow well in pots or hanging baskets.

What is Spike inflorescence?

A spike is a raceme, but the flowers develop directly from the stem and are not borne on pedicels, as in barley (Hordeum). In angiosperm: Inflorescences. A spike is a raceme except that the flowers are attached directly to the axis at the axil of each leaf rather than to a pedicel.

How cold is too cold for dracaena?

Dracaenas need warmth to grow well. Provide a temperature range of 65 – 75º F. (Exception: Dracaena draco can tolerate a low temperature down to 50° F.) Cold drafts from being placed too close to windows or air conditioning units can lead to brown leaf tips and curling brown leaf margins.

What do you feed dracaena?

Dracaenas should be fertilized with a water-soluble commercial houseplant fertilizer. Look for a fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium ratio of 3:1:2 plus traces of zinc, sodium, manganese, copper and iron.

How tall do dracaena spikes grow?

Although the average height for dracaena spike houseplants is only about 2 feet, they can eventually grow to full tree size. A dracaena spike plant is well suited for beginner gardeners because they are relatively easy to care for and take a long time to outgrow their containers.

Should I cut the brown tips off my dracaena?

Cut off only the damaged tips or spots leaving a tiny margin of brown so not to damage the remaining healthy foliage on the plant. 2. If the entire leaf has turned brown, remove individual leaves at their base. Pull the leaf gently; it may come off on its own.

Do spike plants bloom?

It’s commonly used in planters and gardens to provide height and interest. Then this year I was surprised to see one of the plants develop a spike. That spike grew larger and finally opened to a massive bloom.

Can Dracenas go outside?

Dracaena is one of the most commonly sold houseplants, but dracaena in the garden outside is more less common. This is a beloved houseplant but not everyone can grow it outdoors. It requires constant warmth, so only attempt this if you have a warm, near tropical climate.

Are Spike plants Hardy?

This favorite is more sun-tolerant and hardier (USDA Zones 7-11) than other Dracaena species. The spiky foliage adds height and structure, and is compatible with many other plants. Recently reclassified from the Sansevieria genus, the quintessential houseplant for beginning gardeners.

Can I put my dragon tree outside?

Outdoors, you should plant Dragon Trees in the shade to protect it from the sun. Indoors, leave them close to your East or West windows, or a few feet away from your South windows. You should also make sure the location you select for your Dragon tree isn’t too cold.