Dracaena 'Lemon Lime'

Dracaena Art Carmen, also known as the 'Art Carmen' Corn Plant, is a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant. With its striking green leaves featuring bold cream-yellow stripes, it adds a tropical touch to any indoor space. Follow these care instructions to keep your Dracaena Art Carmen healthy and thriving:

1. Light: Place your Dracaena Art Carmen in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's best to avoid intense sun exposure. This plant can also tolerate lower light conditions, but growth may be slower.

2. Water: Water your Dracaena Art Carmen when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, and then allow the excess water to drain completely. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Dracaena Art Carmen prefers slightly moist soil but can tolerate short periods of dryness.

3. Humidity: Dracaena Art Carmen thrives in moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate average indoor humidity but will appreciate a boost, especially during dry winter months. To increase humidity, you can place a tray filled with water and pebbles underneath the pot, mist the leaves occasionally, or use a humidifier.

4. Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C) for optimal growth. Dracaena Art Carmen can tolerate cooler temperatures, but avoid sudden temperature changes and keep the plant away from drafts or cold windows.

5. Fertilizer: Feed your Dracaena Art Carmen with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a half-strength solution to avoid over-fertilizing. Reduce feeding to once every 2-3 months during fall and winter.

6. Pruning: Prune your Dracaena Art Carmen as needed to maintain its shape and size. Remove any yellow or brown leaves and trim the tips if they become damaged. You can also cut back the main stem to encourage bushier growth.

7. Repotting: Repot your Dracaena Art Carmen every 2-3 years or when the roots outgrow the pot. Choose a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Be gentle when handling the roots, and water the plant thoroughly after repotting.

8. Pest control: Keep an eye out for common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the manufacturer's instructions.

By following these care instructions, your Dracaena Art Carmen will remain healthy and continue to enhance your indoor space with its stunning foliage.

According to the ASPCA, Dracaena plants, including the Dracaena Art Carmen, are considered toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, these plants can cause symptoms such as vomiting, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, and dilated pupils in cats. While the toxicity level is generally mild to moderate, it's best to keep your Dracaena Art Carmen out of reach of pets to avoid any potential health issues. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of a toxic plant.