Plant identification: Gold Dust Dracaena (Dracaena Godseffiana) Care Tips

My daughter got this plant when she moved in to college. We don’t know what it is and it isn’t happy. Any help you can provide is appreciated!!

 

Hi Wendie,

From the picture of the sad looking plant that you sent, I’d say that it’s a Gold Dust Dracaena (Dracaena Godseffiana).  It doesn’t really look like any other dracaena plant so that’s why it’s a little difficult to identify.

 

Here’s a healthy looking Gold Dust Dracaena.

Green leaves with yellow speckles on Drcaena Gold Dust

Here are some care tips on how to grow a Gold Dust Dracaena:

Light: These dracaenas, unlike other dracaenas, really likes bright indirect light.

Water: Keep the soil barely moist but never soggy. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer never during fall and winter. When in doubt, do not feed! Dracaena plants need vert little plant food.

Temperature:  60°F -70°F (15.6°C-21.1°C) during the day. If possible, temperatures at night should be 10° cooler.

Keep the plant away from cold draft and air conditioners.

Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites and scale.

The entire plant is poisonous especially to dogs.