Song of India Plant Care

Song of India (Dracaena reflexa) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Dracaena genus. Song of India is native to Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique and other islands of the Indian Ocean. Song of India is also known as Pleomele, Reflexed Dracaena, Dragon tree.

Song of India displays an upright growing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 18 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Song of India produces white flower clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Song of India every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Song of India thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Song of India in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Dracaena reflexa tolerates temperatures of 65–78°F. Song of India prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil. Good drainage is essential for Song of India to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Song of India is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Song of India can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 18 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Song of India while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Song of India is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Song of India can be propagated through by stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dragon tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Song of India is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Song of India grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Song of India is native to Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique and other islands of the Indian Ocean. In cooler regions, grow Song of India as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.