Dracaena fragrans White Jewel - Corn plant

The Dracaena fragrans 'White Jewel' (also known as Dracaena deremensis 'White Jewel') is an extremely attractive variety of indoor Dragon Tree, prized both for its unparalleled graphic silhouette and its beautifully contrasting foliage. The long, sword-shaped leaves are striated lengthwise with varying shades of green and white, enhancing their aesthetic form. Resembling a small palm tree, the initial clump gradually rises above the slender stem that forms over the years. Sculptural and colourful, this plant is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. It will add a touch of exotic flair to your room.

The Dracaena has changed botanical families several times before joining the asparagus family, the Asparagaceae. Here, it coexists with many other highly varied ornamental genera such as hyacinths (Hyacinthus) or Agaves. Depending on classifications, there are roughly 111 species of Dragon Tree, the common name for Dracaena, mostly native to Africa and Southeast Asia, but they can also be found in other regions (Canary Islands, Central America, etc.). The Dracaena fragrans, formerly also called Cordyline fragrans, grows in Africa's tropical zones, from sea level up to 1,500 metres in altitude. Forming dense stands in dry forests or on hillsides, the bush can reach 6 metres in height, with rarely ramified stems, measuring 2.5 to 10 cm in diameter. These support clusters of elongated, sword-shaped leaves measuring 30 cm to 1 metre in length. The inflorescences, 40 to 60 cm long, are made of a multitude of small, white-yellow flowers that open at night, releasing a very pleasant fragrance—hence the species name ('fragrans' meaning fragrant).

The Dracaena fragrans 'White Jewel' is a horticultural variety selected for the beauty of its foliage. With moderate to slow growth, this plant will not exceed 2 metres in height and 60 to 80 cm in width at maturity indoors. Still, patience is required, as after 10 years of cultivation, it may only reach 1.20 to 1.50 metres in height. With its upright, columnar habit and much more modest development than the species type, this Dragon Tree will easily find its place in your home. Its absent flowering is more than compensated by the superior aesthetics of its foliage. This cultivar is indeed captivating due to the colouration of its leaves. Very elongated and tapering gradually to a point, they display a superb variegation with subtle variations between them. Several shades of green—dark green, olive green, or even lighter—coexist with white, stretching along the length of the lamina. Sometimes the white forms a peripheral margin, other times it creates variably broad stripes bordered by dark green... and the proportion of green tones is just as random, so that the plant's seemingly uniform appearance at first glance reveals itself as more complex and original upon closer inspection... Measuring around 30 centimetres in length, the leaves are gracefully incurved, forming a palm-like clump in their juvenile state. Gradually, a stem develops, lifting the clump and altering the plant's physionomy. Its graphic form will perfectly suit a contemporary décor and will harmonise equally well in an exotic plant setting. Beyond their beauty, Dragon Trees are reputed to purify the air around them—another reason to adopt one.

An attractive and easy-to-grow plant, capable of adapting to various light levels and humidity conditions, the Dragon Tree 'White Jewel' is an excellent choice for flats or houses as it will bring a touch of light without ever becoming cumbersome. Pair it with other plants offering a colourful foliage such as that the Aglaonema, choosing a cultivar with a dominant pink hue. An Anthurium 'Renaissance Variegata' with beautifully variegated foliage will also enable you to create a vibrant contrast. If, on the other hand, you prefer to play with colour similarities, opt for a Spathiphyllum whose dark green leaves and white spathes will perfectly complement your Dragon Tree.