How To Care For Dracaena
Dracaena
☀️ - Place your Dracaena close to a window with a nice view to the outside. Some soft partial sunlight is ideal. It can tolerate medium light levels, but growth is stronger and foliage is more vibrant in brighter conditions. Avoid harsh, direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
💧- During the warmer months you should water when the soil has almost dried. Check the bottom of the pot. Dracaena prefers lightly moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering. Always allow excess water to drain and reduce watering to completely dry soil, during winter.
🌡️- Maintain temperatures between 18-26°C. Dracaena enjoys warm, stable environments and should be kept away from cold draughts or sudden temperature fluctuations.
🪴- Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root bound. Use a fresh, well-draining, houseplant soil, with added perlite and some bark.
🐾- Toxic to pets.
Dracaena is a diverse genus of tropical plants native to Africa, Madagascar and parts of Asia. Popular and well known for their tall, cane-like growth and stylish, sword-shaped leaves that add structure and height to indoor spaces. Their tolerance for a range of indoor conditions makes them reliable, low-maintenance plants for homes and workplaces.
Care
Dracaena prefers bright, indirect light, although medium light conditions are tolerated. Too little light often results in slower growth and fading leaf colour. Maintain stable temperatures between 18-26°C and avoid placing the plant near cold windows or heating vents. Moderate humidity is appreciated, but Dracaena adapts well to typical indoor levels.
Water when most of the soil is dried. Dracaena is particularly sensitive to chemicals such as fluoride in tap water, which can cause brown tips. If possible, use filtered, rain or distilled water. Ensure the soil and pot provide good drainage to prevent root rot. Feed every four to six weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer to support healthy foliage.
Repot every 1-2 years or when roots begin to crowd the pot. Dracaena prefers slightly snug containers, so only size up gradually. Prune any leggy or uneven stems to maintain the plant’s shape and encourage new growth.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Problems
- Brown leaf tips - Sensitivity to tap water minerals or low humidity.
- Yellowing leaves - Overwatering or poor drainage.
- Drooping leaves - Underwatering or cold exposure.
- Discolouration - Wrong light.