Caring for a Dracaena

A dracaena soaks up the indirect sunlight in a suburban living room

Taking Care of Your Dracaena

Dracaenas are popular houseplants and come in many different shapes and sizes but share a similar feature - long leaves that grow outward and upward from a sturdy central stem. A common variety in most homes resembles large, tree-like plants. Corn Plants and Dragon Trees are members of the dracaena family. The stem of the Dracaena is called a cane and can be pruned to control growth. Dracaenas are easy-to-care-for plants with excellent air-purifying abilities.

Bright, indirect light

Dracaenas do well near large, sunny windows. Just make sure the light is dappled or diffused by a sheer curtain for most of the day, rather than direct.

A thorough soaking when soil has dried out

Dracaenas prefer drier soil, so when the top 4-6 inches are dry, give it a good soaking and pour out any excess water remaining in the saucer or pot. Use filtered water if possible as the chemicals in tap water can cause brown tips. If using tap water, pour it into a jug and wait at least 24 hours so the chlorine can evaporate. Yellow or dropping leaves indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Water less often during fall and winter.

Bring some green into your home now!

Follow these guidelines and watch your plants thrive and become cherished living decor in your home. Their vibrant color, freshness, and vitality provide daily health and well-being benefits that will make you feel like you are living in a garden paradise.