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The Dracaena family of plants is a very diverse group of tropical and indoor plants. The plants are often called corn plants or dragon trees, the plants vary in size, shape, and color, but they all produce long leaves that grow outward from a central stalk called a cane. The canes are sturdy and lend an unexpected architectural element that interior designers find very useful.

There are many types of Dracaena plants, including Dracaena marginata and dracaena fragrans. While they may look different, the care of each is surprisingly similar. Dracaenas are easy to care for and low-maintenance and will thrive and adapt to almost any environment.

Ground Rules

Light

Most dracaenas will grow in low light conditions, but some varieties like Dracaena Marginata can thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves of any dracaena. If you must place your dracaena plant near a window, we recommend an eastern or western facing window. If you must set the plant near a southern facing window, it's best to add a sheer curtain which can reduce the bright direct light from the sun.

If you begin to notice the edges of the green leaves have turned brown, that is usually a sign the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight.

Water

Dracaenas do not require a lot of water and are happiest when their soil is kept moist but never soggy. Water your dracaena about once a week or every other week during the spring and summer growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. During the winter, your dracaena plant can go up to 30 days between waterings, depending on your home's humidity.

Care should be taken to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Root rot can also occur if the soil has poor drainage. One of the most common signs of overwatering is yellowing or drooping leaves. Most people see drooping leaves and assume the plant needs more water. This often causes people to soak the plant.

If you see drooping leaves, your best course of action is to pull the plant from its pot and observe the roots. If they are brown and soft, the plant is over-watered. Adjust its watering schedule and consider replanting it in soil with better drainage.

Because dracaena plants are sensitive to fluoride and salts, they will be the healthiest when given purified water, distilled water, or rainwater. Signs that your dracaena plant is not happy with your tap water are brown tips on the leaves.

Soil

Dracaena plants are not picky when it comes to which type of potting soil to use. Their only requirement is to have excellent drainage. Choose a quality potting mix such as Espoma Organic Potting mix as these types of soil allow for proper drainage.

Food

Dracaena plants are not heavy feeders. It is recommended to fertilize dracaena plants only once in the spring and again in mid to late summer. If you choose to feed them more often they can be fed from March through September at 50% of the manufacturer's recommended rate.

Any well-balanced plant food will do. We recommend Jacks Classic or Osmocote indoor-outdoor fertilizer.