Dracaena deremensis ‘Torch’

Dracaena Torch

My botanical name is Dracaena deremensis ‘Torch’ and I’m part of the Dracaena family. I have a slender stem and dense spiraling deep green foliage. I am native to Asia but was born in a nursery in Florida and am so happy to be going to my new home.

I can grow to be 5-6 feet tall and will add beautiful full, green look to your home. Here are some care instructions and tips that will be useful as I get acclimated to my new home and grow with you for many years to come.

Choosing the Right Location

Indoors

I can live indoors anywhere in the world as long as the temperature is comfortable for my fellow humans at around 65 – 78°F (15 – 24°C). I’m a great indoor plant and have some tolerance of lower light conditions but I really do best in moderate to high light locations.

The best place to put me is in front of a window or glass door in a well-lit spot. You can also situate me farther in a room as long as I can get some good light for the majority of the day.  I’m ok with artificial light, as long as it is the bright fluorescent type that is always on during the day.

Please do not place me in a spot where I will get strong direct sunlight. Also, watch out that I’m not directly in line with an A/C vent as I really do not like cold or hot air hitting on me. Please do not move me once I get situated as it takes me some time to get acclimated. You can rotate the container slightly every couple of weeks so I get good  photosynthesis action going on all sides.

Outdoors

Place me in a shaded or covered area where I can get bright natural light but not direct full sunlight. If the area is not covered and has possibility of rain water coming through, make sure the planter has drainage holes at the bottom. Call the store to request assistance if needed.

How and When to Water

When it comes to watering me, below are some helpful suggestions for you to follow. However, I must admit that each of us is slightly different than the other and our needs differ too. Depending on where you end up placing me (bright light location would be best!), I may get more or less thirsty and would require watering differently. The humidity in the room, the time of the year, the amount of AC/Heating, among other factors will all affect my watering needs. Fortunately, it’s easy to figure out what to do as I will show you how I feel, you just need to check up on me once in a while.

Unlike other dracaena plants that are sometimes planted in lava rocks, I’m Florida grown and am planted in soil. This makes it easier to feel the humidity in the soil and control the water. If I’m situated in a bright light location, start by watering me once per week. If I’m at a medium-low light location, every two weeks. Using a spray bottle, watering can, or measuring cup, water me approximately 25 oz (750 ml) of water. Pour water directly on the gravel and rocks very slowly all around the base so that it filters down. Watering is no good to me if the water runs down the outside of the root ball, leaving my central roots dry. This can happen if you water too quickly or apply too much water at once. Slower watering is usually more effective. The key is to ensure that water gets to my root zone. Sometimes it is helpful to prick little holes into the gravel and soil with a knife/pencil and pour water inside to assure it goes down well.

Generally, Dracaenas are houseplants that does best when kept on the dryer end of the water spectrum, however it does well with a consistent watering schedule. Use more of a regular distribution, limited portion control mentality when watering it for best results.

Check up on me after about a week by inserting your finger in to the soil about two inches and feel the moisture level. If it feels moist, try again in a couple of days. If it feels dry, water me as instructed above. Once we do this for a few weeks, you will get the hang of it and you can work out a consistent watering schedule. I DO NOT LIKE TO BE IN SOGGY SOIL so make sure you are not overwatering me.

FEEDING

I do not have a great need for food like other plants as I’m naturally very slow growing and will not be able to digest additional nutrients too well. Do not worry about feeding me until after 6 months using a liquid fertilizer which you can purchase at the Plant The Future store or at any garden center. I like the 20-20-20 formula. Follow the instructions on the label for best results.

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