This genus of over 100 plants spans a size range from small to extra large. It includes the dragon trees, which can become truly massive (D. draco from the Canary Islands; D. cinnabari from Socotra), and the very common D. reflexa (aka D. marginata), a shrub from Madagascar which is commonly kept as an indoor plant, sometimes grown in the ground in mild climates.

The former genus Sansevieria was lumped with Dracaena a few years ago. It is now a section of Dracaena. It includes the common mother in law's tongue (D. trifasciata, an upright ribbon-like plant), as well as a variety of other forms with more conventional rosettes and some plants with tubular leaves. Some are more succulent than others. A great number of cultivars and variegates have been selected in cultivation. They enjoy bright light but may prefer protection from lots of direct sun. They do well in containers when provided good drainage and are popular, easy-care house plants.

In 2014 and 2018, genetic studies concluded that Sansevieria is nested within and should be considered part of Dracaena, so it does not exist as a genus any more, merely a section of Dracaena (there are 2 others). Regardless, the name remains very useful to describe this group.

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