Dracaena angustifolia aka Don Kayu Sugih

Dracaena angustifolia is an easy-care houseplant suitable for beginners. It tolerates a range of light conditions from bright indirect to low light, and is forgiving of occasional missed waterings. The main care requirements are avoiding overwatering and using non-fluoridated water, as Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride buildup.

Dracaena angustifolia is a slow-growing plant that typically reaches 1-3 metres (3-10 feet) in height when mature. Indoors, growth is usually more modest. The stems are unbranched or have few branches, with leaves arranged in dense rosettes at the tips. Pruning can encourage branching—cut stems will typically produce 2 or more new branches just below the cut point.

Dracaena angustifolia thrives in average room temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F). It does not tolerate cold well and should not be exposed to temperatures below 13°C (55°F). Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can cause leaf damage.

Dracaena angustifolia propagates easily from stem cuttings. Cut a section of stem 15-20cm (6-8 inches) long, note which end is up, and place it in water or moist potting mix. Top cuttings with a few leaves attached also root well. For best results, propagate in spring or summer. Roots typically develop within 4-6 weeks, after which cuttings can be potted up.

Dracaena angustifolia can produce flowers, though this is rare indoors. When it blooms, typically between March and May, it produces terminal panicles 30-50cm long bearing fragrant greenish-white flowers. Following pollination, attractive orange berries 8-12mm in diameter develop. Flowering usually indicates a mature, healthy plant and optimal growing conditions.

Prune Dracaena angustifolia in spring or summer during active growth. Use clean, sharp tools and cut stems at a 45-degree angle. You can cut canes at any height—new leaf clusters will sprout just below the cut, often producing 2 or more branches. Save the cuttings for propagation. Avoid removing more than 25-30% of the plant at once.

Repot Dracaena angustifolia every 3-4 years in spring or summer. Dracaenas prefer being slightly root-bound, so only repot when roots appear from drainage holes or growth stalls. Choose a pot just 2-5cm (1-2 inches) larger than the current one with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix with organic matter.

Wipe Dracaena angustifolia leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup. This keeps the plant looking attractive and helps maintain healthy photosynthesis. Dust accumulation can also attract pests like spider mites. Avoid using leaf shine products as they can clog the leaf pores.

The most common cause of yellow leaves on Dracaena angustifolia is overwatering, which leads to root rot. Other causes include fluoride in tap water, too much direct sunlight, cold drafts, or natural aging of lower leaves. Check soil moisture and drainage, switch to filtered or distilled water, and ensure the plant isn't in direct sun or cold areas.

Brown leaf tips on Dracaena angustifolia are most commonly caused by fluoride sensitivity. Dracaenas are highly sensitive to fluoride in tap water, which accumulates in leaf tips. Use distilled, filtered, or rainwater instead. Other causes include low humidity, over-fertilization, or salt buildup in soil. Brown tips cannot recover, but you can trim them off.

Common pests include spider mites (tiny webs, stippled leaves), mealybugs (white cottony masses), scale insects (brown bumps on stems), and thrips. Spider mites thrive in dry, dusty conditions—regular misting helps prevent them. Treat infestations with rubbing alcohol for mealybugs or insecticidal soap for others. Root rot from overwatering is the main disease concern.

Dracaena angustifolia can grow outdoors in USDA zones 10-12 where temperatures stay above freezing. It prefers partial shade and protection from strong winds. In its native Southeast Asian habitat, it grows in forest understories near rivers and streams. In cooler climates, grow it outdoors in summer and bring inside when temperatures drop below 13°C (55°F).

Dracaena angustifolia has two recognized botanical varieties: var. angustior (Ridl.) Jankalski with narrower leaves, and var. honoriae F.M.Bailey from Queensland, Australia. The species should not be confused with Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, which is a different plant from Madagascar sometimes sold under similar common names.

Very young leaves of Dracaena angustifolia can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable with rice in parts of Southeast Asia. The leaves can also be pounded and mixed with water to produce a green juice used as natural food coloring for traditional rice pastries. The fruits can be roasted. However, pets should not eat this plant as it contains saponins that are toxic to cats and dogs.

In traditional medicine across Southeast Asia, Dracaena angustifolia has several documented uses. The juice squeezed from boiled leaves is drunk as a remedy for asthma and shortness of breath. A decoction of the leaves is given to people experiencing weight loss and poor appetite. These are traditional folk medicine applications and have not been clinically verified.

Beyond its popularity as an ornamental houseplant, Dracaena angustifolia is used as a source of natural green dye—the leaf juice colors traditional foods in Southeast Asia. The plant is sometimes grown around villages in its native range. It has environmental value in tropical gardens and is occasionally used for animal fodder.

Don Kayu Sugih’s native range is Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.

Don Kayu Sugih does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Don Kayu Sugih loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Don Kayu Sugih can survive in low light conditions, making them ideal for rooms that are far from windows or other light sources. However, for best results, place the plant less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.

Don Kayu Sugih prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

The growth rate of Don Kayu Sugih is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

During the wintertime, it is common for Don Kayu Sugih plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.