Dracaena
Dracaena is a genus comprising hundreds of species of trees and shrubs that are native to Africa, South Asia, North Australia, and Central America. With a large variety of leaf shapes, colors, and patterns, they offer dramatic, architectural shapes and patterns. Dracaena plants are also low-maintenance and some of the best houseplants at purifying the air. What’s not to love?
Fun Fact: The genus Dracaena is a part of the asparagus family! Other family members include the snake plant and spider plant.
How to Care for Dracaena Plants
Plants in the Dracaena genus are easy to care for and tolerant of many conditions. These drought-tolerant plants don’t need constant care to thrive, making them perfect for those who are away from home for short periods of time or who take a more hands-off approach (intentionally or unintentionally!)
Water
Dracaenas prefer underwatering to overwatering, so definitely allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. You can use your finger to feel the soil about 2” down or feel the weight of the pot (the pot will become lighter as the soil dries out). It may take a few times to get the feel of the weight method, but it provides great results.
Dracaena plants should be planted in pots with drainage holes. Water until it begins to drain from the holes and never let your plant sit in water. If you notice yellowing leaves, you may be overwatering. Try reducing the frequency you give water (but not the amount of water given).
Dracaena marginata aka Dragon Tree
Light
Dracaena plants prefer bright indirect light but will tolerate medium and even low light. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves. If placed in low-light situations, water less frequently to avoid root rot.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once every two weeks to one month with a general houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer, following the directions on the package.
Humidity & Temperature
Dracaenas appreciate a bit of extra humidity. Try placing pots on or near a tray of pebbles and water, making sure the pot is above the level of the water to avoid root rot. Brown tips on your plant may be a sign that it needs more humidity. Keep indoor temperatures above 50 degrees F.
Dracaena deremensis ‘Lemon Lime’
Repotting
Repotting is best done in spring and summer. It’s time to repot when you see roots actively growing out of the drainage holes in your plant’s pot. Remove the plant and gently massage the roots to loosen them. Replant with fresh houseplant soil into a container that is no more than a couple of inches larger than the last one. Don’t forget to give it a good soak when you’re done!
If your plants don’t need to be repotted but you want to freshen the soil, follow the steps above and replant into the same container. You can also add a few inches of fresh potting soil to the surface as needed to keep the soil level topped up.
Cleaning & Pruning
Most Dracaenas don’t need a lot of pruning, but you can remove older leaves as needed to keep the plant looking neat. If your plant has grown too tall, you can cut the stems back at a 45-degree angle with clean pruners. and they will push out new branches from just below the cut. This can also create denser foliage. Like repotting, this is best done in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. You may also want to occasionally wipe the leaves to remove dust.
Propagating
Dracaena plants can be propagated with stem cuttings, which are best done in the spring. Cut a section of stem (at least 6”) and place it in a small container of water or a small container with evenly moist soil. Dip one end of the cut stem into the rooting powder, then place the stem in either water or a small container with evenly moist soil. Refresh the water every week and keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. When a good number of roots have developed, transplant your cutting into a small container. You want the container to have enough room for the roots and a little extra space to grow but not be so large that there is excess soil, which can stay too wet and rot the plant.
New shoots on a pruned Dracaena fragrans
More about Dracaena Plants
Dracaenas are also one of the best houseplants for purifying the air. According to tests done by NASA, they can remove multiple chemicals from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, and more.
Dracaena Varieties
Here are some of the most popular Dracaena varieties. Not all varieties are continually available at Swansons, but we’d be happy to help you choose the right one for your space:
Dracaena marginata (also known as Dragon Tree, a colorful and popular variety)
Dracaena deremensis ‘Lemon Lime’ (beautiful, bright yellow and green foliage)
Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’ (shiny green leaves with white stripes)
Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig Compacta’ (a tree-like variety with tall stems and bushy tops)
Dracaena fragrans ‘Michiko’ (a nice, dense habit and deep green leaves)
Dracaena fragrans ‘Lisa’ (an elegant, tall variety with wide green leaves)
Fun Fact: Snake Plant is now considered a part of the Genus Dracaena. It was formerly Sansevieria trifasciata and can be found labeled as either.
See our other indoor plant profiles - All About Snake Plant and All About Pothos.