Dracaena fragrans cv. Massangeana has evolved from a traditional indoor potted plant into a commercially important cut-foliage crop cultivated in open fields and shade-houses for the global floristry market. India has gained an export advantage due to low production costs, year-round leaf availability, and its value as a structural floral filler. In plantation ecosystems such as coffee and rubber, particularly in Kerala and Karnataka, Massangeana serves as a profitable intercrop and can provide significant additional income. The cool, humid microclimate of the Shevaroy Hills (1,200–1,600 m MSL) offers ideal conditions for cultivation, with moderate temperatures, suitable soil conditions, and reduced heat stress, enabling quality foliage production under partial to full sunlight. Successful cultivation depends on maintaining optimum shade levels, vegetative propagation, proper planting, and efficient irrigation management. Major production challenges include leaf spot diseases and Phytophthora-associated root rot, which can be minimized through good drainage, field sanitation, and targeted irrigation practices. Mature plants produce a continuous supply of marketable leaves throughout the year, and effective post-harvest handling, cold-chain management, and proper packaging can extend vase life up to 4-8 weeks, supporting domestic and export markets. Thus, Massangeana represents a promising high-value intercrop and sustainable income source for hill plantation farmers.
Dracaena fragrans cv. Massangeana, Cut foliage, Open-field cultivation, Coffee–black pepper intercropping, Shevaroy Hills, Post-harvest handling
