About

Dracaena eilensis, synonym Sansevieria eilensis, is a species of succulent plant native to a small region of Somalia near the town of Eyl. The species was collected in 1973 by John Lavranos.

How to grow it

Dracaena eilensis is rarely found in cultivation. The plant is extremely slow growing, and requires warm temperatures and bright light to grow, making commercial cultivation unviable. Limited cultivation of D. eilensis using micropropagation has been successfully employed by collectors and enthusiasts, but as of writing, D. eilensis is not available from any commercial sources.

D. eilensis, like most xerophytic Dracaena, grows best in porous, well drained soil. Excessive watering will cause the fleshy roots to rot, so it is essential that the soil is allowed to dry sufficiently between waterings. Many growers prefer a coarse potting mix consisting of a combination of inorganic and organic ingredients. Gravel, perlite, vermiculite, and decomposed granite are commonly used to add weight and improve drainage, while bark chips and coconut coir or husks are used for moisture retention. Such a porous mix will prevent over watering and provide ample aeration, but requires more frequent watering to prevent over drying.

Where it grows

Dracaena eilensis is found only in a small region near Eyl. This region receives less than 100 mm rainfall annually, which is unusually dry even among xerophytic sansevierias. The air temperature in this region ranges between 22-35 °C while the soil temperature is typically 24-27 °C.

Other Dracaena plants

Dracaena aethiopica · Dracaena afromontana · Dracaena ajgal · Large-leaved dragon tree · Dracaena americana · Suji · Tree Dracaena · Lance Dracaena · Dracaena aubrytiana · Golden Dracaena · Dracaena bacularis · Dracaena ballyi