Dracaena Surprise - 13cm

For those who want the tropical vibe of a Dragon Tree without it eventually scraping the ceiling of their flat.

Most Dracaenas want to grow into massive, bare stalks, but the 'Surprise' is exactly that—a pleasant surprise for those of us with limited space. As you can see from its thick, swirling growth, it is a compact, bushy cultivar that stays low and full. It forms a tight rosette of broad, glossy green leaves edged with a crisp, striking lime-yellow border. It gives you all the bold aesthetic of a much larger houseplant but fits perfectly on a desk, a side table, or a slightly crowded shelf.

How to keep it happy:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal to keep those lime-green borders looking sharp and vibrant. It can tolerate a bit of shade, but it might lose some of that bright contrast if you chuck it in a completely dark corner.

• Water: Dracaenas are incredibly forgiving if you forget about them, so let the top half of the soil dry out completely before you water it again. The absolute golden rule here: they despise the fluoride and chlorine in tap water. Treat it to filtered water or fresh Glasgow rainwater to keep it looking pristine.

• Humidity: It’s pretty easy-going with standard room humidity, but keeping it away from roasting radiators or freezing draughts is always a good shout.

Troubleshooting:

• Brown, crispy leaf tips? This is the classic Dracaena tantrum when you've been watering it straight from the tap. It is reacting to the chemicals. Snip the brown bits off and switch to rainwater immediately.

• Yellowing, dropping leaves? You are loving it a bit too much with the watering can. Back off and let the soil dry out properly between drinks.

Pet Safety: Not Pet Safe. Like all Dracaenas, this one is mildly toxic if nibbled on, so keep those bright, spiky leaves out of reach of curious cats and dogs.