Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime'

Brighten your space with the Lemon Lime Dracaena—an architectural, air-purifying favorite with vivid striped foliage that looks premium with minimal effort. Perfect for receptions, meeting rooms, and modern living areas, it stays attractive in medium light and forgives the occasional missed watering. A reliable, stylish plant that upgrades any interior instantly.

1. Basic Identification

Common Name: Lemon Lime Dracaena
Botanical Name: Dracaena fragrans 'Lemon Lime'
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Foliage houseplant (Tropical)
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0083
Alternative Names:
Corn Plant 'Lemon Lime'
دراسينيا

2. Taxonomy & Classification

Order: Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Species: Dracaena fragrans
Cultivar: 'Lemon Lime'

3. Origin & Distribution

Native to the rainforests of tropical Africa, from southern Nigeria through Sudan to Mozambique. The 'Lemon Lime' cultivar was developed in cultivation and is now widely grown as an ornamental houseplant across North America, Europe, and Asia.

4. Visual Characteristics

Produces multiple upright, cane-like stems topped with rosettes of strap-shaped leaves. Leaves display a bright lime-yellow center with narrow green margins. New foliage emerges chartreuse, maturing to a paler yellow hue. Stems are woody and can be left intact for an architectural appearance or shortened for a fuller form.

5. Size & Dimensions

Indoors, typically reaches 90–120 cm (3–4 ft) in height with a spread of up to 60 cm (2 ft). In ideal, frost-free outdoor conditions, it can grow to 180–300 cm (6–10 ft).

6. Light Requirements

Thrives in bright, indirect light to medium light. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade variegation. Tolerates lower light levels but may exhibit slower growth and reduced variegation intensity.

7. Watering Needs

Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, allowing the top 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot.

8. Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining, aerated potting mix rich in organic matter. A blend of peat moss or coco coir, pine bark, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. Repot every 2–3 years or when roots become pot-bound.

9. Temperature & Humidity

Prefers temperatures between 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). Minimum tolerated temperature is 13 °C (55 °F). Average indoor humidity (40–60%) is sufficient, though occasional misting or a humidity tray can prevent brown leaf tips.

10. Fertilization

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during spring and summer at half the label-recommended strength. Do not fertilize during autumn and winter dormancy. Flush the soil periodically to prevent salt buildup.

11. Maintenance & Care Level

Low maintenance; suitable for beginners. Prune back old or yellowing canes to maintain shape and encourage new shoots. Inspect regularly for pests and remove debris from the soil surface.

12. Growth & Propagation

Growth rate is moderate. Propagate via stem cuttings: cut 10–15 cm (4–6 in) sections of cane, allow the cut ends to callus for 1–2 days, then place in water or a moist, well-draining medium. New roots and shoots emerge from the nodes.

13. Common Problems

Overwatering may cause yellowing foliage and root rot. Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity, salt accumulation, or underwatering. Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can occur; treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

14. Benefits & Uses

Effective at removing indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene. Its striking variegation and architectural form make it ideal for offices, lobbies, and modern living spaces.

15. Toxicity & Safety

Contains saponins; moderately toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, anorexia, and depression. Keep out of reach of children and pets.