How to Grow Dracaena From a Cutting

The Dracaena genus of plants encompasses several species of shrubs, most of which are single-stalk "corn plant" shrubs. Dracaenas are often propagated through the "cutting" method wherein you take a length of new growth from the dracaena in question and plant it in a new pot. The shoot or stalk will take root in the new pot, if the planting is done correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Cutting implement
• Alcohol
• Plant pot
• 50/50 peat/perlite soil
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Soak your cutting blade in alcohol before cutting. This will kill any bacteria on the blades and help prevent infection or disease in the plant.

2. Cut off about 6 inches of new growth -- either a new shoot or from the top of the stem, depending on the type of dracaena -- from the plant.

3. Fill your planting pot with the peat/perlite soil.

4. Plant your dracaena cutting in the soil.

5. Water the soil until water starts seeping out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot.

6. Cover the pot with a plastic baggie to seal in the moisture. Place the pot in an area where it will enjoy direct sunlight for several hours each day.

7. Wait for four to six weeks for the cutting to start rooting.

References

• University of Florida: Dracaena Production Guide
• Bachman's: Plant Care -- Dracaena