Dracaena Care Guide

Dracaena fragrans is a popular indoor plant that is native to Africa. The erect trunk and arching, broad leaves of this plant can reach from 16 to 20 feet in height under the best growing conditions. Dracaena fragrans are easy to grow indoors. They need bright indirect sunlight or fluorescent light with medium humidity and watering about once a week. The leaves of the dracaena are wide and long, growing out from the center of the plant in an arc. These plants sometimes fold their wide ribbon-like leaves up while they’re resting.

Light

Dracaena are generally tolerant of a range of light conditions. Medium to bright indirect light is suggested. Direct sun should be avoided as this can lead to leaf burn. This plant can survive in lower light, but growth will significantly slow. Avoid extreme conditions such as bright direct sun and dark corners.

Water and Soil

Dracaena’s are slightly drought tolerant plants, and they should be allowed to dry out by about 50-70% between waterings. These plants are particularly susceptible to overwatering, and care should be taken to ensure your Dracaena is not watered unless the top layer of soil is completely dry. If your Dracaena begins to drop its leaves, this is normally a sign of overwatering. A standard well draining potting mix should suffice. The addition of perlite will help provide better drainage and soil aeration, while coco coir or peat moss can be added to help the soils absorbency.

Temperature and Humidity

Dracaena plants prefer room temperatures between 60 degrees F and 75 degrees. Temperatures below 50 degrees can damage this plants foliage, and should be avoided. Dracaena plants originate from Madagascar and other islands within the Indian Ocean, so they are used to naturally occurring humidity. While Dracaena would certainly appreciate higher humidity, these plants tend to do fine in the lower humidity which is found within most homes.