The best companion plants for dracaenas are those that not only complement the aesthetic but also have similar care requirements so that both plants can grow happily.
Philodendrons, pothos, and peace lilies are great options for indoor dracaenas, while coral bells and impatiens are ideal for an outdoor setting.
Keep reading to learn how to choose companion plants for dracaenas, as well as the best indoor and outdoor options.
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How To Choose Companion Plants For Dracaenas
Choosing a companion plant for a dracaena is simple.
The plant needs to have similar care requirements or be flexible enough to survive with the same care requirements as the dracaena.
Here’s a rundown of the key care requirements that any companion plant needs to meet:
- Temperature – Temperature between 65 and 75º F where possible, and avoid significant temperature fluctuations.
- Soil Type – Well-draining, nutrient-dense soil is a must.
- Humidity – Humidity of at least 60%.
- Sunlight – Bright, indirect sunlight with limited direct sunlight for outdoor varieties.
There is some fluctuation to this; for example, if the humidity is slightly below 60%, it won’t kill the plant, but it might slow down the overall growth rate.
Best Companion Plants for Dracaena Indoors
When choosing companion plants for your dracaena, it’s important to consider plants that have similar care requirements and can thrive in the same environment.
Here are some popular options for indoor dracaena companion plants:
Philodendron
Philodendrons make excellent dracaena companions due to their adaptability and similar care needs.
Both plants require bright, indirect light and moist but well-draining soil. With their lush, green foliage, philodendrons can beautifully complement dracaena’s upright and bold appearance.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are a great companion to dracaenas because they belong to the same family.
Snake plants, technically called dracaena trifasciata, thrive in the same conditions as most dracaenas and are ideal to be grown alongside them.
They’re also much smaller, making them great to grow alongside larger dracaenas or even other snake plants.
Pothos
Pothos plants are known for their trailing vines and are an excellent choice for dracaena companions.
They can add a touch of greenery around the base of the dracaena and can even be trained to climb up the dracaena’s trunk.
Pothos plants are basically indestructible and thrive with low to bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are another great option because they are incredibly hardy and provide a nice contrast to the upright leaves of the dracaena, creating a visually appealing display.
Spider plants like bright, indirect light as well as well-draining soil.
Peace Lily
Last but certainly not least is the peace lily.
Peace lilies have very similar care requirements to dracaenas, and their beautiful white flower displays are great additions to the sharp, pointed leaves of the dracaena.
Can You Plant Them In The Same Soil?
You can plant your dracaena and its companion plants in the same soil. But, it’s essential to choose soil that meets the requirements of both types of plants.
Generally, any well-draining soil packed full of nutrients will be suited for all of the plants mentioned above and the dracaena.
Soil mixes with potting soil, compost, perlite, and sand are ideal. You can also opt to use pre-made mixes like succulent or cactus mixes.
Best Companion Plants for Dracaenas Outside
Dracaenas can not only be grown outside during the summer, but in certain areas, they are grown outdoors year-round.
Here are some companion plants you can use if your dracaena grows outside.
Impatiens
Impatiens make a great companion for your outdoor dracaena plants. These charming flowers bring vivid colors, ranging from white to pink and red, which can beautifully contrast with dracaena foliage.
They thrive in similar conditions, preferring partial shade and well-draining soil.
Planting impatiens around your dracaena provides your outdoor space with an attractive display of varied textures and colors.
Coral Bells
Coral bells are another lovely choice to complement your outdoor dracaena plants. These perennial plants display beautiful foliage in shades of green, purple, gold, and red, adding depth and interest to your garden bed.
They produce delicate flowers on tall stalks, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your space.
To grow coral bells alongside your dracaena, ensure they have well-draining soil and partial shade.
They are drought-tolerant once established, but it’s essential to provide adequate water during their initial growth period.
Benefits Of Grouping Plants Together
Grouping dracaenas with other plants is a great way to spice things up.
Not only is it a lot of fun, but it also has some great benefits.
Humidity
One significant advantage of grouping plants is that it can help provide ideal humidity levels for your plants.
Many indoor plants, including dracaenas, thrive in environments with higher humidity. When you group plants, they create a microclimate due to transpiration, where they can increase the humidity surrounding them.
As long as the companion plant also thrives with higher humidity, this is a great way to make both plants happy.
Aesthetics
Another key benefit of grouping plants is the visual appeal it creates in your indoor space. Combining various plants can provide a captivating display of contrasting textures, colors, and shapes.
With its striking foliage, Dracaena can make an eye-catching centerpiece surrounded by other smaller plants.
Dracaena Varieties To Grow
When looking at dracaena companion plants for your indoor space, exploring some popular varieties that can work well together is essential.
Here are three great options for you to consider.
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the dragon tree, is a popular, easy-to-grow indoor plant with attractive, arching foliage.
Dracaena marginatas are one of my personal favorites because of the colors of their leaves, and they make a great companion plant to grow alongside others.
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena fragrans, also known as the corn plant, is a beautiful, low-maintenance plant featuring broad, glossy leaves with a bold central stripe.
This indoor favorite is perfect for brightening dim corners and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space. It pairs well with brightly colored or flowering plants.
Dracaena Trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata, formerly known as Sansevieria trifasciata or snake plant, is a versatile, low-maintenance indoor plant that can thrive in various light conditions.
Its distinctive, sword-like leaves and striking patterns make it an ideal companion for other plants.
Incorporating these dracaena varieties into your indoor space along with other foliage-rich plants will enhance your home’s beauty and contribute to a healthier, more inviting environment.
In Summary
There are many options for dracaena companion plants, and this article has only scratched the surface.
As long as you stick to the care requirements listed at the beginning of this guide, you’ll be able to find more combinations of plants that can boost your home.
If you want to learn more about dracaenas, you can check out some of our related articles below:
