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Gold dust dracaena

How to identify Gold dust dracaena (Dracaena surculosa)

Gold dust dracaena, also known as Japanese bamboo

Gold dust dracaena is characterized by its alluring variegated leaves that feature a patchwork of green with speckles or swirls of creamy yellow to off-white, reminiscent of flecks of gold dust. These leaves are lance-shaped, growing up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, and gracefully arch from the central stem, creating a pleasing aesthetic. This evergreen's woody stems can become cane-like over time. It's a compact plant, reaching heights of around 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm), making it suitable for indoor spaces. The foliage's eye-catching pattern is a key identifying trait, distinguishing it from other foliage plants.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Gold dust dracaena

1

Variegated leaves with green and yellow swirls, up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.

2

Tubular greenish-white flowers in globular clusters with 6 backward-bending petals.

3

Vibrant orange-red berries, 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) diameter, rare indoors.

4

Glossy dark green leaves with creamy yellow spots, elliptical or ovate, 3-inch (7-12 cm).

5

Wiry brown stems, 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) diameter, irregular branching pattern.

Gold dust dracaenaGold dust dracaenaGold dust dracaenaGold dust dracaenaGold dust dracaena

Detailed Traits of Gold dust dracaena

Leaf Features

The leaves of gold dust dracaena are glossy dark green with spots of creamy yellow, appearing in 3-inch (7-12cm) lengths. They are smooth, leathery, and elliptical or ovate with a distinct mucronate apex. New leaves emerge as tightly rolled cones, showcasing attractive yellow or golden variegation patterns which fade to cream or white as they mature. Leaves are spirally arranged at the growing tip, forming clusters or whorls of 3-4, or opposite pairs along the stems.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite ,
Whorled

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Flower Features

Gold dust dracaena's flowers are greenish-white and tubular, each flower measuring approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) in length. They are borne in a terminal globular cluster on a downward-drooping peduncle, which is about 8 to 15 cm (3-6 inches) long. Each flower has 6 petals that bend backwards, 6 prominent anthers, and a style that stands out like fireworks. The flowers are pleasantly fragrant during the night and are rare when the plant is grown indoors.

Inflorescence Type

Umbel

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Stem Features

The stems of gold dust dracaena are wiry, upright, and thin, typically brown in color. They possess a slender and smooth texture, with a flexible yet sturdy structure. Each stem usually measures around 0.1 to 0.2 inches (2.5 to 5 mm) in diameter. The branching pattern is irregular, often giving rise to new shoots or 'surculose' growth. This characteristic thinness and brown hue are noteworthy features that aid in recognizing the stem of gold dust dracaena.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of gold dust dracaena is characterized by a vibrant orange-red hue, providing a striking contrast to the foliage. These spherical berries are modest in size, averaging about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in diameter. Typically elusive when gold dust dracaena is cultivated indoors, the occurrence of fruit is a rare event. The surface of the berry is smooth to touch, encapsulating the seed within. These colorful fruits emerge after flowering, adding an exotic touch to the plant's appearance.

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Gold dust dracaena and Their Similar Plants

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Corn plant vs. Gold dust dracaena: What's The Difference?
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”
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Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia) is an evergreen tree often cultivated as an ornamental or houseplant. It is no wonder why madagascar dragon tree is one of the most popular houseplants - its richly colored, olive-green leaves and thick stems are very aesthetic. Aside from the attractive looks, madagascar dragon tree is said to have good air-purifying qualities (as many indoor plants).
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Key Facts About Gold dust dracaena

Attributes of Gold dust dracaena
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
61 cm to 91 cm
Spread
90 cm to 1.2 m
Leaf Color
Green
White
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White
Green
Fruit Color
Red
Burgundy
Orange
Stem Color
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Gold dust dracaena
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Scientific Classification of Gold dust dracaena

Family
Asparagus
Icon allow
Species
Gold dust dracaena (Dracaena surculosa)
Learn More About the Gold dust dracaena

Distribution Map of Gold dust dracaena

Gold dust dracaena is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. Its distribution spans across the equatorial belt of the continent. In its native habitat, gold dust dracaena thrives in the warm, humid conditions under the forest canopy. Beyond its natural range, gold dust dracaena is widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, popular as an ornamental plant, it has adapted to various climates outside its native region, emphasizing its versatility and appeal.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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