Brazilian Wood Plant

Brazilian Lucky Wood  (Dracaena fragrans)

Description

The Brazilian Lucky Wood, listed botanically as Dracaena fragrans, is an easy to care for foliage houseplant with a thick, cane like stem topped with a rosette of glossy green,lance-shaped leaves that arch with age. Despite the common name, the plant isn't native to Brazil at all, but to tropical Africa, the name stemming from how the plant is often traditionally packaged and given, rather than from its place of origin. Like the popular Corn Plant it belongs to the same genus and you may also see this plant referred to as "Corn Plant" or "Striped Dracaena".

This Brazilian Wood is a favorite plant for anyone starting out with a new home or setting up a desk in the office because once established, very little effort is needed. The thick stem stores water and so it is far more tolerant of the occasional skipped watering than any other houseplant on the market, as is its upright growth habit which requires very little floor space. It's a plant often used in feng shui or given as gifts on festivals to bring good luck although this is solely a cultural practice that may or may not actually be true-we only note it here because it is a reason this plant is often bought as a gift.

As an indoor plant, this is an easy care specimen for a bright room with dappled light; for example a few feet away from a bright window which is covered by a sheer curtain, or away from direct light altogether. It can tolerate quite low light situations and will be much slower to grow in dim corners. It works well as an addition to a living room, bedroom, desk, or office space where bright, direct light is limited. Some growers start the roots from the thick stem placed in a jar of water before transplanting to a soil medium once a root has grown, but once it is potted up, it can be cared for much like any typical houseplant.

This Brazilian Lucky Wood can be supplied bare-rooted or potted. In the case of the potted plants, the plants are delivered in a pot, so they have drainage holes for water to drain away. This stops water collecting at the bottom of the pot which can cause the stem and roots to rot.

Key Features

• Thick, cane-like stem with arching, glossy green leaves
• Tolerates occasional missed watering due to moisture stored in the stem
• Adapts to both bright indirect light and moderate low-light spots
• Slow, upright growth habit that doesn’t take up much room
• Often gifted during festivals and housewarmings as a symbol of good fortune
• Little pruning is needed when indoors under normal condition
• Ideal for home or office desk, shelf and tabletop.
• Can be started in water before transitioning to soil, if purchased as a rooting stem

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What’s in the Box

• 1 × Live Dracaena fragrans (Brazilian Lucky Wood) plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Care guide

Important Notes

• Each individual plant will differ in leaf shape, stem thickness, and height. This is to be expected, as they are live plants.
• The plant might shed a few leaves and show slight wilting, this usually resolves in 1-2 weeks as the plant gets accustomed to its new location.
• Don't let it stand in direct, hot sun for long periods, it will burn the leaves or bleach them.
• During the winter months watering frequency should be reduced, because growth in plants is slowed down in cooler weather.
• If starting growth in water, don't wait too long after roots form to transfer to soil - growing for too long in water will weaken the plant eventually.
• Make sure that it does not receive any cold drafts or heat from the vents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the lower leaves on my plant turning yellow and dropping?

A: This is normal growth because the lower leaves die off and new leaves grow at the top. If several leaves turn yellow at once, then this could be a sign of over watering and the compost could be too wet, ensuring that the pot has good drainage.

Q: How often should I water this plant?

A: On average it should be between 7 to 10 days, but it's always best to check the soil first. Stick your finger in an inch or so and water it only if the soil feels dry at that depth as the plant is much more tolerant of drying out than over-watering.

Q: Can this plant survive in a low-light room?

A: Yes, the medium to low light level it can tolerate relatively well compared with most house plants but this would mean slower growth and likely a duller green over time. The best place to keep it would be to receive bright natural light for at least half of the day but the light should be filtered as it will scorch easily.

Q: Is it true this plant brings good luck?

A: The 'lucky' link is based on Feng Shui beliefs and folk culture due to its woody stem and strength, in particular how it has been passed as a gift around festive holidays. This is part of the cultural and aesthetic side, not a scientific finding of the plant itself.

Q: How fast does this plant grow, and will it get too tall indoors?

A: It is a very slow grower indoors so rarely will take over a room, but over many years a more upright cane could grow, this is a very slow process.

Q: Do I need to fertilise this plant, and how often?

A: Feed sparingly throughout spring and summer every 6-8 weeks with a good half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Omit feeding completely in winter as the plant growth slows down naturally.