How to Propagate Dracaena

Dracaena plants are a diverse group of variegated shrubs. If you have a sick dracaena and need a backup of it, want to pass a copy of a favorite plant on to a friend or just want a second dracaena for yourself, consider propagation. Although they are diverse, all dracaenas can be propagated in the same manor.

Instructions

1. Select a shoot coming out of the base of your draecena plant to propagate. The shoot must be less than 6 inches in length and not yet woody. You can also propagate dracaenas from tip cuttings, but shoots are more likely to be successful. If you do want to attempt tip cuttings, the tip must be new growth.

2. Cut the shoot away from the base of the plant with a pair of sheers or a sharp knife. Remove any leaves in the bottom 2 to 3 inches of the cutting. Dip the end of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder.

3. Fill a 4-inch pot with a potting mixture of one part peat moss and one part perlite or coarse sand. Insert the dracaena propagation 2 inches into the potting mix.

4. Water the pot thoroughly until water runs out the bottom of the drainage holes.

5. Place the entire pot in a plastic bag to seal in warmth and humidity. Place the pot in a warm place that receives indirect sunlight or filtered direct sunlight. You will not need to water the pot again until you remove it from the bag.

6. Remove the dracaena propagation from the bag when new growth appears. New growth indicates rooting has been successful. Treat the dracaena as a mature plant after the bag is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, attempt dracaena propagation in the spring or summer during the plant's active growing period.