How to Care for Dracaena

The Dracaena is a staple plant in our Wild Interiors Signature Collection due to its stately nature and striking appearance. If you’re wondering how to care for dracaena, you’ll be happy to learn that this cool plant is easy to care for and adaptable to most home environments, making it a popular choice for many plant owners. The dracaena genus includes around 120 species, many of which are tree-like, always exhibiting in an upright form. Their distinctive sword-like foliage comes in a variety of colors. These plants can reach an impressive 6-20 feet high when left to grow or can be pruned to be kept smaller indoors.

To keep its tree-like appearance, it is necessary to prune the stem or cane of the plant regularly. A few weeks after pruning, new foliage will sprout just below the cut. You can also propagate the pruned section of the cane to create another dracaena plant.

Another thing that makes the dracaena plant interesting is the origins of its name. Dracaena originates from the Greek word ‘drakaina,’ which means ‘female dragon’. When cut, this plant produces a red, gum-like resin that when thickened is likened to the blood of a dragon. This resin has a history of uses dating back centuries including dyes, medicines and varnish for 18th-century violins.

Now that we know a little bit more about this fascinating plant, let’s figure out how to care for dracaena!

Lighting

Dracaena can survive in low or medium-light but prefer bright, filtered light. A great spot for this plant would be by a sunny window with a sheer curtain. Avoid direct sunlight for this plant as it can scorch or burn the leaves.

Watering

Water your dracaena thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. Use a well-draining pot and soil to prevent root rot. When considering dracaena care, it is important to note that this plant is highly sensitive to fluoride. Try to water with filtered or pure water instead of tap water if you are able. Provide extra humidity for this plant, especially during drier times of the year.

Fertilizing

Fertilize your plant using a balanced fertilizer, every two weeks during the spring and summer. As fall arrives, reduce fertilizing to once a month and stop completely during the winter season.

Temperature

The dracaena prefers temperatures between 60-70°F during the day and can withstand around a 10 degrees temperature drop during the night (if your plant is growing outdoors). Within the home, keep your plant away from drafts or heating sources to maintain a consistent environment.

Common Problems

Dry leaf tips and edges are a sign that your dracaena plant is not getting enough water or humidity. Lack of moisture can also cause leaves to turn brown and drop. Make sure that your plant is getting enough water and consider a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity.

Too much moisture can also lead to problems for your dracaena plant. Dropping or yellowing leaves may be a sign of over-watering or poor drainage. If your plant is experiencing sudden leaf drop, check for root rot and make sure the plant is getting proper drainage after waterings. (Dracaena care note: it is normal to notice the bottom leaves of this plant yellowing and dropping as the plant prepares for new growth.)

Fluoride sensitivity is a common problem for dracaena. If you are using tap water for your plants and notice leaves with dark brown or dead spots, this can be due to fluoride toxicity. Flouride can build up in plant leaves over time and cause the edges to become yellow or brown in color, and dry or brittle. Try to use filtered water for your dracaena.

Direct sunlight is not a friend to your dracaena. If you notice dry patches or streaks on the leaves of your plant, it is being scorched by its exposure to direct sunlight. 

Have Questions? Email us or find us on Instagram @wild_interiors to ask any of your dracaena care questions!