Exceptional beauty and outstanding quality. There are two major factors that significantly enhance the quality, beauty and longevity of Hawaiian grown Dracaenas over others. The first is the production methodology, and the second is the cinder soil mix.

The production methodology begins with the stock fields. What's different about Hawaiian Dracaena production is the growers own their own local stock fields. The cane is topped in the field and allowed to sprout before being cut into the appropriate lengths. This is important because by using this methodology, the cane virtually never goes into a negative energy situation. The topped cane draws nutrition from the stock plant to produce the sprouts. After the sprouted cane is cut and potted, the sprouted tips produce abundant energy to aid in the rooting process.

In planting, Hawaiian growers grade the cane for uniformity and strong sprout development. The resulting specimens are vigorous, full and rich with color and aesthetic balance.

In contrast, Dracaena growers outside Hawaii use imported bare cane from Costa Rica and the Caribbean. This cane must use its stored food reserves for the lengthy shipping process, as well as for the rooting and sprouting process. The result is that the cane sprouting is inconsistent, and the finished plant often looks thin and unbalanced.

For the growing medium, Hawaiian growers use cinder mixes made from various ratios of Canadian peat moss and volcanic cinder. The cinder is inert, decomposes very slowly, and has unique aeration and water holding properties. It is this quality of soil aeration that makes it possible for root systems to remain aerated and healthy even in low light conditions existing in many interiorscapes.

Most Dracaena growers on the mainland use soil mixes comprised of wood by-products, bark, sawdust and other fillers, which decompose quickly, thereby greatly reducing soil aeration and thus plant quality and longevity.

It comes down to this: If you and your customers expect beautiful, long lasting Dracaenas and plants which you both will be proud to have on your job site, then choose Sunborne Hawaiian Dracaenas.