Dracaena plants with their lanky canes topped with arching, sword-like leaves, have great architectural appeal. Large types have the ability to vitalize an empty corner or bare stretch of wall–its like a living sculpture. Dracaena also pairs nicely with other houseplants, adding variety to your houseplant collection. There are several popular types of dracaena plants:
All of these plants are easy to care for. Just follow these tips for growing any type of dracaena plant.
Taking care of a Dracaena plant is easier than you think! With just a few basic care practices, your Dracaena can thrive for years to come In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to keep your Dracaena healthy and happy
Overview of Dracaena Plants
Dracaena is a genus of around 120 different plant species that are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa Asia, and the Americas. These plants are characterized by their long, green foliage that emerges from a central woody stem.
Some of the most popular Dracaena houseplants include
- Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
- Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
- Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis)
- Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Dracaenas are beloved for their easy care and ability to purify indoor air. However, they do contain saponins that can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Light Requirements
Dracaenas prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near an east or north facing window where they’ll receive gentler morning or afternoon sun. Direct southern exposure can scorch the leaves.
These plants tolerate low light, but they will become leggy and sparse without enough sun. Rotating your Dracaena helps prevent it from leaning towards the light.
Watering Your Dracaena
Dracaenas are drought-tolerant and prefer less frequent, deep watering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. I recommend watering once every 1-2 weeks in the spring and summer, and every 2-3 weeks in fall and winter.
Always check the soil before watering. Stick your finger in the pot to gauge moisture. If the soil is damp beneath the surface, hold off on watering.
Make sure your Dracaena has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Water until it drains from the bottom, then empty any excess from the saucer.
Ideal Temperature
Dracaenas thrive in average household temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep them away from drafty windows, vents, and doors.
Sudden temperature drops or cold drafts can shock the plant and cause leaf damage. In winter, consider moving your Dracaena to a warmer spot in the house.
Humidity
These tropical plants prefer 40-50% humidity. In dry indoor air, mist the leaves or use a pebble tray to boost moisture. Avoid extreme swings in humidity.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based soil amended with perlite or sand. This allows water to easily flow through without getting boggy.
Replenish the top few inches of soil annually to restore nutrients. Repot every 2-3 years or when roots poke out the drainage holes.
Fertilizer
From spring through early fall, feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Discontinue fertilizer over winter when growth slows.
Too much fertilizer can burn the tips of the leaves. Only resume feeding when new growth appears in spring.
Pruning Your Dracaena
Prune dead or damaged leaves and stems at any time to maintain an attractive shape. To control height, cut back the tallest stems above a leaf node.
Wipe dust from the leaves using a damp cloth to keep them looking shiny and healthy. Avoid harsh chemicals that can burn the foliage.
Propagating Dracaena
The easiest way to propagate a Dracaena is by stem cuttings. In spring or summer, cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone.
Plant in potting mix, keeping the soil slightly moist. New roots and leaves will sprout in a few weeks!
Common Problems
- Brown leaf tips – Cause by fluoride, salts, or insufficient humidity
- Leaf scorch – Too much direct sun
- Drooping or yellow leaves – Overwatering or underwatering
- Leaf spots – Due to fungal disease from wet leaves
Toxicity
All Dracaena plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested, according to the ASPCA. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.
Caring for Your Dracaena: Key Takeaways
- Place in bright, indirect light near an east or north window
- Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings
- Water deeply and less frequently
- Average room temperatures are ideal
- Boost humidity in dry indoor air
- Use well-draining potting mix
- Fertilize monthly in spring through summer
- Prune damaged stems and leaves as needed
- Propagate by stem cuttings
- Monitor for pests and diseases
- Keep away from pets due to toxicity
With proper care, Dracaena houseplants can live for many years in your home. Their vibrant colors and hardy nature make them a foolproof choice even for beginner gardeners. Follow these tips and enjoy the ease of growing dracaena!
Where to Grow Dracaena Plants Indoors
Grow dracaena indoors in bright, indirect light. Most types will tolerate fairly low light conditions, but youll notice increased growth if you move plants to sunnier locations. Dont put them where the sun will shine directly on them, though, as the leaves may scorch. Dracaena plants are perfectly well suited to home and office conditions, but sometimes suffer from a lack of humidity. If you know its exceptionally dry in your home, or if leaf tips begin turning brown, spritz leaves with water every few days, or place pots on trays filled with pebbles and water. (Make sure the water level is below the bottom edge of the pot so the plant doesnt suck up too much water.) As the water evaporates, the surrounding humidity will increase.
How to Feed Dracaena Plants
When dracaena are actively growing, they need a regular supply of nutrients. Use Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food (following label directions) to give your dracaena an instant boost of nutrition.
5 Quick tips Dracaena
FAQ
How do you care for a dracaena plant indoors?
Dracaena plants are popular houseplants that are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in bright, indirect light, prefer well-draining soil, and need moderate watering, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings.
Where is the best place to put a dracaena plant?
Location. Position your dracaena in bright but indirect light, such as in a west-facing or east-facing window, or shaded by sheer curtains/blinds in a south-facing window. Keep out of direct sun in summer, which can scorch the leaves.
Should I cut the brown tips off my dracaena?
Yes, you should cut off the brown tips of your Dracaena leaves. It won’t harm the plant, and it improves its appearance. The brown tips are often a sign of environmental issues like low humidity, inconsistent watering, or even fluoride in tap water.
How often do you have to water a dracaena?
Dracaenas do not require a lot of water and are happiest when their soil is kept slightly moist but never soggy. Water your dracaena about once a week or every other week, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Do dracaenas need a lot of care?
Grown for their attractive foliage, dracaenas are popular plants that need very little care. There are over 100 species of dracaena trees and succulent shrubs, although many are used as houseplants because they’re easy to grow and tolerate low light.
How do I care for a Dracaena?
Caring for a Dracaena has never been easier: Expert tips on watering, sunlight, and soil requirements to ensure your plant thrives indoors.
What should I do if my dracaena leaves drop a lot?
If your plant suddenly drops a lot of its leaves, the temperature may need to be adjusted. Place the dracaena in an area with a humidity level of 30-40%. Mount a humidity gauge in the room so you can monitor humidity. Since these plants like an average amount of humidity, up to 50% humidity is fine.
How much humidity do dracaenas need?
Because they’re tropical plants, they love moisture—so Harman suggests maintaining a humidity level between 40-60%. You can do this by adding a humidifier to your space, lightly misting your dracaena with a spray bottle, keeping your plant in the bathroom or even just grouping plants together.
How often should you water dracaenas?
The dracaena is a really common and popular house plant. They’re hardy, but they do need bright indirect sunlight. Also, make sure that the soil dries out completely before you water them again. Watering your plants once every 2 weeks is generally a pretty good schedule.
Do dracaenas need to be pruned?
During the spring and summer, dracaena plants benefit from a monthly feeding with a water-soluble fertilizer designed for indoor plants. Feeding should be reduced in the fall and winter when plant growth slows down. Dracaena plants tolerate being pruned when it is important to control their shape or height, even when it is not absolutely necessary.