'Song of India' dracaena guide
Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India', also called Song of India, pleomele, Dracaena reflexa 'Variegata'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- 40% or higher helps it hold its lower leaves
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting and, in cats, dilated pupils.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Top cuttings or cane pieces, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Song of India' dracaena different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the dracaena care guide.
What it is
‘Song of India’ has short, pointed leaves with wide golden-yellow edges and green centers. The leaves spiral close around thin, bendy stems, so the plant looks full and bushy. It is a form of Dracaena reflexa. Older stems lean and twist, which gives it character.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Song of India’ | Short, gold edges, spiraling | Leaves wrap around the whole stem |
| ‘Lemon Lime’ dracaena | Long, arching, lime edges | Longer leaves in tufts at the top |
| Dragon tree | Thin, stiff, red edges | Narrow leaves in tufts on bare canes |
Care differences
‘Song of India’ needs more light than most dracaenas to keep its gold edges. Bright indirect light with some morning sun works well.
It drops lower leaves in dry air or low light. A humidifier helps. Pruning the tips in spring keeps it bushy.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem tip 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long. Root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in three to five weeks.
Buying it
‘Song of India’ shows up at garden centers and plant shops. Look for leaves down most of the stem. Bare lower stems mean it has been dropping leaves.