Botanical Name: Dracaena reflexa 'Song of Jamaica'
Common Name(s): Song of Jamaica Dracaena, Dracaena 'Song of Jamaica'

The Dracaena 'Song of Jamaica' is a visually striking and unique cultivar within the Dracaena family, known for its dramatic foliage and vibrant color patterns. This plant features long, lance-shaped leaves that are a rich green in the center with wide, bright yellow stripes along the edges, creating a bold contrast and making it a standout in any indoor setting. The leaves have a somewhat tropical feel, with the yellow variegation brightening the plant's appearance, making it an excellent choice for adding color and texture to your space. Its upright, bushy growth habit and striking foliage also make it a wonderful addition to home or office environments, where it can add height and visual interest.

Native to tropical regions of Africa, this plant thrives in warm, humid conditions, but it is well-suited for indoor life and relatively low-maintenance. This cultivar can grow up to 4-6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) tall indoors, with a slow to moderate growth rate. The plant's height and narrow form make it a good choice for filling corners, adding vertical interest to a room, or grouping with other plants in larger indoor plant collections.

The Dracaena Reflexa 'Songs of Jamaica' prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant yellow and green foliage, but it can tolerate lower light levels. However, in lower light conditions, the plant’s growth may slow, and the variegation may become less pronounced. It should be kept out of direct sunlight, as too much exposure can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to brown tips and edges. The ideal temperature range for this adored variety is between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and it should be kept away from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations to avoid stressing the plant.

This plant grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Water this plant when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure the plant’s pot has good drainage and that water doesn’t pool at the bottom. This Dracaena is more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering, so it’s safer to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings rather than keeping it too moist.

Note: This variety of Dracaena is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs, if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can cause digestive upset. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.