Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia: A Lesser-Known Money Tree Variety
Meet Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, a distinctive variety of the popular reflexa species that goes by the charming common name money tree. While you might be familiar with other plants called money trees, this particular variety brings its own unique character to the world of tropical gardening.
What Makes This Plant Special?
This perennial shrub is all about that narrow-leaved look – that’s what angustifolia means, after all! Unlike its broader-leafed cousins, this variety sports slender foliage that gives it a more refined, almost grass-like appearance while maintaining the classic Dracaena structure we know and love.
As a multi-stemmed woody plant, it typically stays manageable at under 13-16 feet tall, though it usually remains much smaller in cultivation. Multiple stems arise from near the ground, creating a full, bushy appearance that works beautifully as a focal point or screening plant.
Where Does It Come From?
This isn’t a native plant to the continental United States. Instead, it’s found growing in some pretty exotic locations including Guam, the Marshall Islands, and various U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. It’s established itself as a naturalized species in parts of the Pacific Basin, reproducing on its own without human help.
Should You Grow It?
Here’s where things get interesting. While this Dracaena variety can make an attractive addition to the right garden, its non-native status means you might want to consider native alternatives first, especially if you’re passionate about supporting local ecosystems.
That said, if you’re drawn to its unique narrow-leaved appearance and you’re gardening in a tropical or subtropical climate, it could work well for you. Just keep in mind that we don’t have complete information about its potential invasive tendencies, so responsible gardening practices are key.
Growing Conditions and Care
Like most Dracaena species, this variety likely appreciates:
- Warm, tropical to subtropical conditions
- Well-draining soil
- Bright, indirect light to partial shade
- Regular watering without waterlogging
- Protection from harsh winds
Since specific growing information for this particular variety is limited, it’s best to treat it similarly to other Dracaena reflexa varieties and adjust care based on how your plant responds.
Landscape Role and Design Ideas
With its shrubby growth habit and distinctive narrow foliage, this plant could work well as:
- A specimen plant in tropical gardens
- Part of a mixed shrub border
- A container plant for patios or courtyards
- Screening for privacy (given adequate space to grow)
The Bottom Line
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia is an intriguing plant for gardeners who appreciate unique foliage and tropical aesthetics. While it’s not native to most areas where it might be grown, it offers an interesting alternative to more common landscape plants. Just remember to garden responsibly – consider native alternatives first, and if you do choose to grow this variety, prevent it from spreading beyond your intended growing area.
Since detailed care information is limited for this specific variety, approach it as an experiment and be prepared to learn alongside your plant. Sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from getting to know these lesser-documented varieties!
