Morphological Plasticity of Dracaena sanderana `Ribbon' in Response to Four Light Intensities

Abstract

Effects of four shade levels on the growth of Dracaena sanderana hort Sander ex Mast. `Ribbon' were evaluated. The experiment was conducted using model structures providing four shade levels (47%, 63%, 80%, and 91%). Dracaena sanderana exhibited morphological plasticity in growth and development. Under 63% and 80% shade, plants grew faster and achieved greater biomass than those grown in 47% and 91 % shade. The lowest (47%) and the highest shade (91 %) provided supraoptimal and suboptimal light levels, respectively. More leaves with less leaf area, larger internodes, and larger root mass developed in plants grown in 63% shade. Fewer leaves with larger leaf areas, smaller internodes, and smaller root mass developed in plants grown in 80% shade. Plants grown in 47% or 63% shade were less variegated than those grown in 80% or 91 % shade. Maximum leaf variegation occurred under 91 % shade.