Plant Care Dracaena

Dracaena

About Dracaena

Did you know the genus name Dracaena comes from the Greek for ‘female dragon’? Some plants in this genus have thick, red resin which was reminiscent of dragon blood! 🐲 Dracaenas are native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, and are known for being super easy to care for. Some species can go months without water, and many can grow well in low sunlight.

Taxonomy

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Colorama'
Dracaena
Asparagaceae
Asparagales

Also known as

dracaena marginata colorama

How to care for Dracaena

💦 Water

How often to water your Dracaena

Water needs for Dracaena
0.5 cups
every 12

Dracaena needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Dracaena

Water 0.5 cups every
12

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Dracaena in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Dracaena: 6ft from a window
6ft or less from
a window

Dracaena can tolerate being far from a window and light source.

Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Dracaena in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Dracaena

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Dracaena: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Dracaena after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Dracaena
💡 FAQs
💦 Water Needs

Dracaena thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Dracaena Water Frequency →

Dracaena Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Dracaena can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Dracaena Light Requirements →

Dracaena Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Dracaena Toxicity to Cats →

Dracaena Toxicity to Dogs →

Dracaena Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Dracaena enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.

Dracaena Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Dracaena is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Dracaena →

When and How to Successfully Repot Dracaena →


💩 Fertilizer

Dracaena grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

How Much and When to Fertilize Dracaena →


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Dracaena to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Dracaena is native to Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Dracaena

Dracaena

Dracaena


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 12 days

Placement

< 6ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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