How to Grow Outdoor Dracaena
Dracaenas are tropical to subtropical. They are in a group of 160 species that may be trees, shrubs or herbs. The plants have no frost tolerance and cannot be grown outside where temperatures plunge in fall, unless they are potted and brought indoors. Some species can grow up to 20 feet and exhibit a palmlike form. The pointed spearlike leaves may be found in green, red or edged with coloring. Dracaena marginata is one of the more hardy species and can be grown outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8 and above. Freezing temperatures will result in leaf loss and possible plant mortality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Shovel
- Compost
- Sand
- Pruners
- Slow-release all-purpose fertilizer
- Burlap or blanket
- Stakes
- Mallet
Instructions
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1
Find a sheltered location with full sun to plant the dracaena. Amend the soil by digging in 3 to 5 inches of compost and 2 inches of sand to increase drainage.
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2
Place the dracaena plant outdoors for a week in gradually increasing increments of time to acclimate it to the outdoor temperatures.
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3
Remove the plant from its pot after it has acclimated and fluff out the roots gently. Dig a hole just large enough to accommodate the plant in the amended area. Settle the plant with the top of the root ball at soil level and compress soil around the roots.
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4
Water the plant regularly and deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Dracaena is not drought tolerant but once established, it enjoys periods of dryness alternated with moisture.
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5
Prune off the top of the young dracaena if you want a multibranched plant. This will force it to form new stems and create a bushier look. Remove spent leaves at any time to improve the appearance of the dracaena.
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6
Fertilize in early winter with a time-release all-purpose fertilizer. Use the amount recommended for your size tree and work it into the soil 3 inches deep out to the drip line.
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7
Set up a frame to hold burlap or a blanket if a brief freeze threatens. Use a mallet to hammer in stakes around the tree and drape the cover over the plant. Remove it during the day so the plant can gather solar energy.
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