Dracaena Goldieana

The Dracaena goldieana, often called the Zebra Striped Dragon Tree or Queen of Dracaenas, is a highly ornamental and relatively rare houseplant native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa. This species is celebrated for its striking, broad, oval-shaped leaves, which are a deep green and beautifully marbled with transverse, silvery-white or pale green horizontal stripes, creating a dramatic, zebra-like pattern. Unlike some of its taller relatives, it maintains a more compact, upright, shrub-like habit, typically reaching to feet indoors. It occasionally produces small, fragrant white flowers in dense clusters, though this is uncommon in cultivation.

Caring for the ‘Queen of Dracaenas’ requires attention to its tropical origins. It thrives in bright, indirect light; while it can tolerate medium light, its vibrant variegation is best maintained with more light, and direct sun should be avoided to prevent leaf scorch. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil, meaning the top inch or two should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings, but it should never be waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. High humidity and consistently warm temperatures (around ) are ideal. Furthermore, Dracaena plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine, so using filtered water or tap water that has been left out overnight can help prevent brown leaf tips.