How to Take Care of a Dracaena Tree

Draecenas grow in home or office settings.

Dracaenas are subtropical plants grown mostly as houseplants in the United States. They are known for their long, slender leaves that may be green, mottled or variegated. Dracaenas may grow 2 to 10 feet high, depending on the variety and 2 feet wide, with slow growth. Many are compact plants that grow close to the ground, although some, such as the dragon tree, have a tree-like form. Dracaenas have few disease or pest problems and thrive in most household and office settings. Some require very little light. Common varieties include corn plant, green dracaena, dragon tree and gold dust dracaena.

Things You'll Need

• 12- to 18-inch pot
• Commercial potting mix
• Spray bottle
• Water-soluble fertilizer
• Scissors or knife

Instructions

1. Plant dracaenas in a 12- to 18-inch pot, using commercial potting soil. The pot should have several holes in the bottom for good drainage. Avoid using potting mixes with a high percentage of perlite, which can damage the plant, according to Clemson University.

2. Place the plant in an area with bright but indirect sunlight, rather than directly in a south-facing window. Signs of too much sunlight include streaks and dry brown patches on the leaves. Dracaenas do best with daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees. Mist the plant occasionally with a spray bottle filled with water if the humidity is below 40 percent.

3. Water the soil to keep it evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the surface to dry out before watering it again. Watch for signs of mites or aphids. Take the plant outside and spray it with a stream of water to remove insects.

4. Fertilize the plant monthly with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer. Withhold fertilizer in the winter when growth slows.

5. Cut the leaves back with a sharp knife or scissors if the plant becomes too large.

Tips & Warnings

• To propagate new plants, cut a 6-inch piece of stem from the tip of the plant. Dip it in a rooting hormone and place it in a pot containing sand or vermiculite. Moisten the sand and cover the plant with a plastic bag to make a miniature greenhouse. Within a few weeks, new roots will grow and you can repot the plant.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Types of Houseplants Dracaena
• Clemson University Cooperative Extension: Dracaena

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of Nebraska: Toxicity of Common Houseplants