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Which houseplants belong to the Dracaena genus?

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The Dracaena genus, part of the asparagus family, includes numerous species commonly cultivated as houseplants for their ornamental foliage. Following a 2018 taxonomic reorganization, the genus now also includes species formerly classified under the genus Sansevieria.1

Popular houseplants within the Dracaena genus include:

  • Corn plant (D. fragrans): Often features yellow leaf edges or white stripes.1
  • Lucky bamboo (D. braunii).1
  • Snake plant (D. trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata): Known for its upright, sword-shaped foliage.1
  • Dragon tree (D. marginata): Characterized by clusters of twisted stems and narrow, leathery leaves.2
  • Ribbon plant (D. sanderiana): A slender, highly variegated species that can be grown in water.2
  • Iguanatail (D. hyacinthoides, formerly S. hyacinthoides).1
  • D. deremensis ‘Warneckei’: Features symmetrical rosettes of milky-green, sword-shaped leaves with white stripes.2

These plants are valued not only for their appearance but also for their ability to help clean indoor air by removing chemicals such as formaldehyde.1