Dracaena Plant Care

Lucky bamboo is actually a dracaena variety.

Dracaena plants provide a low-maintenance houseplant option. They produce thick stems and sword-shaped leaves that range in color from pure green to variegated varieties with stripes in shades of green and white. Dracaena grow best in potting soil, though the lucky bamboo varieties are sometimes sold rooted in water. Care is similar regardless of the potting method used for the dracaena.

Light and Temperature

Light requirements vary between the different dracaena varieties, but most grow well if provided with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight tends to scorch the leaves and damage the plant. Dracaena still grows in lower light conditions, but the leaves may not be as thick and healthy. The temperature in most homes is sufficient for dracaena plants, as they thrive in 60 to 70 degree Fahrenheit locations. Dracaena tolerates temperatures up to 10 degrees cooler at night.

Water Needs

Watering with distilled or non-fluoridated water prevents damage to fluoride-sensitive dracaena plants. The plants prefer slightly dry soils over wet soil. Irrigating when the soil surface has dried out ensures the soil doesn't become overly moist. Dracaena prefer moderate humidity, which isn't usually an issue in most home. Grouping several plants in the same area helps raise the humidity level around the plants slightly in drier environments.

Fertilization

Fertilizers formulated for foliage houseplants provide the necessary nutrients for dracaena plants. Soluble varieties provide a steady supply of nutrients when applied monthly. The fertilization amount for each application depends on the type of fertilizer and the size of the pot your dracaena grows in. The fertilizer packaging provides a table with recommended application rates. These rates are sufficient for most dracaena plants.

Pruning

Dracaena tolerates severe pruning at any time of year. The stem becomes bare as the plant grows, producing leaves mainly on the top portion. The type of pruning depends on your preferred form for the plant. Trimming off side branches leaves a central trunk so the dracaena resembles a small tree. Removing up to half the stem's height encourages a new flush of growth and creates a shorter, bushier plant.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dracaena; Karen Russ, et al.; March 1999
• University of Illinois Extension; Dracaena; Jennifer Schultz Nelson; February 2008