Dragon Series Dracaena Part 1

Clockwise from top left: Dracaena Dorado, Dracaena Green Jewel, Dracaena Malaika.

Dragon Series Dracaena are a group of compact Dracaena deremensis varieties that have recently emerged on the mainstream market in the US. The entire group is known for its compact form and easy care requirements. Most of the varieties will not exceed ten inches in width, with the exception of Dorado which gets slightly larger. That makes this group a great option for small spaces like desks, tables and shelves and are vibrant alternatives to Dracaena Janet Craig Compacta. These plants look great as specimen plants or when planted in groups of twos and threes. The care requirements are similar to other Dracaena varieties; these plants need medium to high light and should only be watered when the soil is dry. Most of the varieties are relatively slow growers and have few cultural problems. Sometimes the plant will exhibit minor tip burning due to salt accumulation in the leaves, this is due to minerals in our tap water and can be prevented and/or reduced by using distilled water, watering just prior to the soil drying out, or by cutting of the tips of the leaves at an angle when damaged. Another potential issue is mealybugs which like to feed at the bases of the leaves; using an insecticidal soap or broad range insecticide will solve this problem. Systemic insecticides can also be used to offer longer protection if insect pests become a recurring issue.

The largest variety in the group is Dorado, which has a slight twisting growth habit and lime green margins on the edges of the leaves.

Dracaena Dorado

Green Jewel is a solid green variety that has larger, brighter leaves than Janet Craig Compacta and has a slight upright growth habit.
 

Dracaena Green Jewel

Malaika also has a slight twisting growth habit and has a green cream colored center bordered by white and then dark green margins on the edges of the leaves.

Dracaena Malaika

Many of the varieties in the series are available at private garden centers and are even starting to pop up in large box stores. In my experience the varieties in the box stores tend to be mislabeled so don't always trust the packaging.

Macho Fern, Nephrolepis biserrata

Macho Fern, Nephrolepis biserrata

Macho Fern is a great accent plant for a part shade spot in the yard or as a specimen on a front porch or patio. The plant is as tough as the name implies and handles heat and humidity extremely well. It is a great alternative to Kimberly Queen Ferns and delivers a bolder impact. Macho Fern is native to southern Florida, Texas and parts of the gulf coast.. So if used outside it must be brought in before any danger of frost and placed in a high light location. The plant should be watered just prior to the soil drying out and misting or the use of a humidity tray will help reduce leaf drop in the home. In ideal conditions Macho Fern can reach up to four feet tall and spread just as wide.  Fertilizing over the spring and summer months will help promote growth but should be reduced in the fall and winter to allow the plant to go into a resting period.

Side view

In the three weeks since this picture the plant has doubled in size, I'll have to update the post with newer pictures.

Edit: This is the current size of the plant as of 7/26/13

Macho Fern

Scadoxus multiflorus, Blood Lily

Scadoxus multiflorus

Scadoxus multiflorus is a flowering bulb from the Amaryllidacea family and is native to South Africa. Each bulb produces a brilliant red globe of many flowers. After blooming the flowers set seed and the plant sends up leaf tissue to rejuvenate the bulb for the following season. Scadoxus prefer part shade and do well in planters. They often look better when planted in groups and are a great porch plant. Due to the fact that they are tropical, they must be brought in for the winter and sheltered from cold drafts and frost. This often is not an issue because the plant tends to go dormant for several months and then reemerges in the spring. When the plant dies back, the tissue can be cut back to the soil line and stored in a cool dry place. The bulb should be allowed to dry out and should only be watered one or two times over the winter until the bulb is ready to emerge in the spring.

Scadoxus in bloom.

Bulbs sending up leaf tissue after blooming.