Dracaena is a large genus of plants, most of which are considered easy-care plants. They are easily recognizable by their long thin spiky leaves. Many varieties have colorful foliage.
Background
Dracaena is a genus of shrubs and trees known for their uniquely shaped long thin leaves, native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. There are several popular varieties of Dracaena known by commons names such as “Dragon Tree”, “Corn Plant”, and “Dragon Plant”. We will discuss various Dracaena varieties below, with photos included.
Size
Up to about 6′ indoors. Dracaena marginata (Dragon Tree) can grow even larger than that, usually up to 10-12′. You can train them into different shapes by pruning the stems. A pruned stem should usually at least grow two new branches. If a stem is getting too long, you can cut it at the desired length, and new leaves should appear.
Growing Conditions
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Many (but not all) types of Dracaena can tolerate medium or even low light. Direct sunlight can burn a Dracaena’s leaves. If your Dracaena has variegated leaves, it will need medium or brighter light to maintain its full coloring.
Watering
You will want to keep the potting mix evenly moist, but not too wet. Dracaena plants do not like sitting in soggy soil. Make sure the potting mix has dried out somewhat before watering again. During the winter, you will probably have to reduce the amount of times you water. If you have your Dracaena in a low-light situation, you will also have to water less often.
Try and use water that is free from fluoride when watering a Dracaena, as it is one of the plant species that is sensitive to fluoride.
Potting Mix
A well-draining potting mix should be used, but you still need your potting mix to retain some moisture.
Humidity
Prefers slightly higher humidity than is usually found in homes and offices. If you notice the tips of the leaves turning brown, this may be a sign that the humidity is too low.
Fertilizer
Has a lower fertilization requirement. Fertilize sporadically during the warmer growing season.
Propagation
Can be propagated by air layering or by rooting tip cuttings.
Toxicity
Toxic if eaten.
Potential Problems
Leaf drop. If your Dracaena plant is experiencing leaf drop, it is usually due to one of the following: abrupt temperature change, cold drafts, or too much water retention in the potting media.
Pests. Usually not prone to pests, but sometimes you might see spider mites, mealybugs, or scale.
Root rot. This can happen from poorly draining potting media combined with too much watering.