Dracaena pinguicula – Succulent plants

Dracaena pinguicula is one of the most attractive, short, erect succulent plant that resembles a dwarf agave. It has bluish-green leaves are covered in a thick waxy cuticle, arranged in a rosette and lunate in cross-section. The leaves are tipped with a single sharp spine. A wide channel runs the full length of each leaf and has reddish-brown colored margins edged with tough, papery white cuticle. Dracaena pinguicula has thick stilt-like roots holding a young plantlet above the surface. The stolon is visible to the right. The blossoms are borne in groups of five to six on an erect branched panicle 6 – 13 inches long. The bloom bracts are small, brownish, and bottle-shaped with white anthers and stamens. Fertilized flowers produce globular berries, anyway not many fruits mature to produce seed. The flower spike develops from the apical meristem and a rosette will no longer grow after blooming. However, the rosette will not die after blooming, and will instead produce many stolons bearing young plantlets.

Scientific classification:

Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Nolinoideae
Genus: Dracaena
Species: D. pinguicula

Scientific Name: Dracaena pinguicula (P.R.O.Bally) Byng & Christenh.
Synonyms: Sansevieria pinguicula P.R.O.Bally
Common Name: Walking sansevieria

How to grow and maintain Dracaena pinguicula (Walking sansevieria):

Light:
It requires bright, filtered light and can stand plenty of direct sunlight but will adapt to low light conditions too.

Soil:
It thrives best in well-drained, sandy soil enriched with peaty compost.

Water:
Water your plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature:
Dracaena pinguicula prefers an average to warm room temperatures 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit / 18 – 24 degrees Celsius. It will endure fluctuating temperatures, but not below 55 degrees Fahrenheit / 13 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize monthly during the active growth periods in the spring and summer, with a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer. Try not to fertilize during the winter season.

Propagation:
Dracaena pinguicula is easily propagated by cuttings or by divisions taken at any time. Cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and inserted in moist sand. A rhizome will emerge at the cut edge of the leaf. Divisions can be done by removing and rooting the plantlets produced at the end of each stolon.

Re-Potting:
Re-pot the plant during the spring season, only when plants get crowded and need dividing.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for bugs, spiders, and mealybugs.