Dracaena rockii

Maui hala pepe

A rare Hawaiian tree dracaena (hala pepe) endemic to Maui and Molokaʻi. It grows in dry and mesic forest, usually at 610–1220 m. It was formerly placed in Pleomele. It is listed as Vulnerable because of habitat loss, so grow only nursery-propagated plants, in bright light, warm conditions and a sharply draining mix.

At home, aim for

Day IntermediateTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry

Light Bright, filtered lightDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows in the ground

Where it grows wild

Grows in dry to mesic forest on slopes, including shady slopes with ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros) and Diospyros, according to an observer's note. It is a small, sparsely branched tree to about 5 m, with tufts of strap-shaped leaves at the branch tips.

Literature gives 610–1220 m. One GBIF observation in Honolua Valley, West Maui, is at 366 m.

Hawaii (Maui)Hawaii (Molokaʻi)

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.