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Illustration of a plant with green and yellow leaves on a beige background

Dracaena ‘Cintho’

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dracaena fragrans 'Cintho'

KNOWN AS: Cintho Dracaena, Cintho Corn Plant

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Horticultural Hybrid | Tropical Africa (Parentage)

DESCRIPTION: The 'Cintho' is a sophisticated, high-contrast cultivar of the classic Corn Plant. It features broad, arching leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The foliage is characterized by a striking creamy-yellow to lime-green center stripe bordered by a deep, dark forest green. It typically grows on a thick, woody trunk (cane) and provides a clean, tropical-modern look that is much more structural than the standard D. massangeana.

 

Dracaena ‘Cintho’ Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

While Dracaenas are often sold as "low light" plants, the 'Cintho' needs a bit more to keep its center stripe bright.

The Goal: Bright, filtered light. This keeps the variegation crisp and the growth tight.

Low Light: It is very tolerant of lower light levels, making it a favorite for office corners. However, the yellow center will gradually fade to a duller lime green, and the leaves will grow thinner.

Direct Sun: Avoid midday sun. Direct rays will bleach the pale centers of the leaves and cause brown, paper-dry burn spots.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water when the top 50–75% of the soil is dry. Sensitive to fluoride.

Quick Tip: Water when the top 50–75% of the soil is dry. Sensitive to fluoride.

The Routine: This plant stores water in its thick woody trunk. Overwatering is the most common cause of death. If the soil is constantly wet, the trunk will become soft/mushy (trunk rot).

The Water Issue: Like all Dracaenas, 'Cintho' is sensitive to fluoride and salts in tap water.

The Solution: Use distilled, rain, or filtered water. If you see brown "rust" spots on the yellow parts of the leaf or brown tips, it is likely a reaction to the tap water.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 80º

The Dragon Tree loves a steady, warm environment.

The Limit: It is not frost-tolerant. If temperatures drop below 55°F, you may see the leaves begin to droop or drop off.

Stability: Keep it away from AC vents or heaters, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause leaf drop.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

This is a very resilient plant when it comes to humidity.

Dry Air: It handles average home humidity perfectly well. If your home is exceptionally dry during the winter, you may notice the very tips of the leaves turning brown. A pebble tray or a humidifier can help, but it’s rarely a life-or-death issue for this species.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Stem Cuttings: You can cut a section of the cane (trunk) or a leafy top and root it in water or moist soil. Note: The 'Cintho' is a slow grower, so propagation takes patience. It can take several months for a new root system to establish.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains saponins. In cats, it can cause dilated pupils, vomiting, and drooling. In dogs, it causes digestive upset and loss of appetite. Keep this plant where pets cannot reach the foliage.
Repotting
When to Repot: Only every 2–3 years. They have a relatively small root system and don't mind being slightly root-bound. The Pot: Ensure the pot is heavy enough to stabilize the plant, as it can become top-heavy. Soil: Ensure the pot has excellent drainage holes.
Pruning
Managing Height: If it gets too tall for your ceiling, you can cut the trunk. It will eventually sprout new leafy heads just below the cut. Grooming: Remove yellowing or brown lower leaves by pulling them downward gently. Cleaning: The broad leaves are dust magnets. Wipe them once a month with a damp microfiber cloth to keep the plant healthy and the variegation looking sharp.
Fertilizer
Quick Tip: Feed very lightly; Dracaenas have a slow metabolism. What to Use: A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. When to Apply: Once a month during the active growing season (Spring and Summer). Winter: Do not fertilize in the winter. The minerals will just sit in the soil and can cause root burn.
Soil
Ideal Mix: A well-draining, loose potting mix. Recommended Blend: 2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand. This ensures the roots get plenty of oxygen and prevents the soil from staying too soggy.

Hanging Heights

Dracaena ‘Cintho’ Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Dracaena ‘Cintho’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

-

VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Dracaena ‘Cintho’

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Dracaena ‘Cintho’

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Dracaena ‘Cintho’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Dracaena ‘Cintho’

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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