overwintering dracaena spikes Dracaena / Cordyline indivisa: Star Plant for Summer Containers

Bring a touch of exoticism and structure to your flower beds and containers with Dracaena indivisa, often sold under the name Cordyline indivisa or 'Spike Plant'. Known for its upright habit and long, sword-shaped green leaves that arch gracefully, it offers a striking contrast with other plants and adds lasting vertical interest throughout the season. Easy to care for and heat tolerant, it's a must-have for dynamic summer arrangements.

Characteristics

• Foliage : The foliage consists of long, evergreen, rigid, sword-shaped leaves, green to light green in colour. They are inserted in a round pattern on an upright stem that forms a 'false trunk' with age. The foliage arches slightly outward as it grows older.
• Light : Prefers full sun or partial shade. A minimum of 4 to 6 hours of sunlight is recommended.
• Habit : Its habit is upright, with a strong central stem and foliage that forms an erect and slightly weeping silhouette along the edges.
• Growth : Growth is relatively slow. When grown as an annual or in a pot, it generally reaches a height of 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) and a spread of 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 inches). With many years in a pot and proper overwintering, it can reach 2 metres or more.
• Humidity : Requires moisture. The soil must be well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can lead to root rot or botrytis. Drought-tolerant once established.
• Soil : Thrives in well-drained soil, preferably with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Avoid heavy clay soils. For pot cultivation, use a good quality well-drained potting mix. Be aware of fluoride toxicity in some soils/fertilizers that can cause brown spots on leaves (maintaining an adequate pH and avoiding superphosphate fertilizers can help).
• Temperature : It is a tropical plant that does not tolerate frost. To keep it in colder climates, it must be brought indoors before the first frosts, ideally in a cool location (like an orangery or unheated veranda) with a minimum temperature around 10°C (50°F), or in a bright indoor location.
• Watering : Water when the soil surface begins to dry. Maintain regular moisture but avoid standing water. Drought-tolerant once well-established, but appreciates regular watering in containers during hot weather.

Uses

• Types of Use : Excellent as a 'thriller' (central vertical element) in mixed container arrangements, in individual pots on patios, balconies, and terraces, or integrated into flower beds as an annual to add height and textural contrast.
• Decorative Advantages : Its graphic foliage and upright habit bring architectural interest and an instant exotic touch. It highlights flowering or lower-growing foliage plants around it. It is deer and rabbit resistant.

Care

• Fertilization : Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring to late summer) with a balanced soluble fertilizer.
• Pruning : No pruning is generally necessary. Yellowed or damaged leaves can be removed at the base as needed.
• Planting :
  • Distance : If planted in the ground (as an annual), space plants 38 to 46 cm (15 to 18 inches) apart. In containers, spacing depends on companion plants, but ensure good airflow.
  • Depth : Plant so that the root ball or the base of the plant is covered with soil.
  • Period : Plant outdoors in the spring after all risk of frost.