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Plants & Gardening

Dracaena: versatile houseplants with a species for every home—here’s how to successfully care for, grow, and propagate them

Dracaena is a genus of popular houseplants with numerous species perfect for indoor decoration. Read on to learn how to successfully care for, grow, and propagate different species of Dracaena.

Dracaena are a group of striking and popular houseplants, with numerous varieties cultivated for indoor decoration.

Dracaena—get to know the different species and varieties

Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

Dracaena care
The Madagascar Dragon Tree has narrow leaves.

Growing medium

A standard potting soil for houseplants is suitable for the Madagascar Dragon Tree. If using a self-watering planter, use soil designed for that purpose.

Growing location

The Madagascar Dragon Tree adapts to various light conditions. It thrives best in bright locations protected from direct sunlight but can also do well in more shaded spots.

Temperature

Normal room temperature suits the Madagascar Dragon Tree; in winter, a location with a temperature of 15–20°C is also suitable.

Watering the Madagascar Dragon Tree

Water the Madagascar Dragon Tree regularly during the growing season (spring to autumn), allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings. In lower light conditions, water less. Reduce watering in winter.

Mist your Madagascar Dragon Tree regularly, especially in winter, as it suffers from dry indoor air.

Fertilizing the Madagascar Dragon Tree

The Madagascar Dragon Tree should be fertilized only occasionally and with a mild fertilizer.

Striped dracaena

Dracaena care
Striped Dracaena ‘Warneckii’ has white-striped leaves. Plant from: Pukinmäki Garden.
Dracaena care
Striped Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’ has yellow-striped leaves.

Growing medium

A standard potting soil for houseplants is suitable for the Striped Dracaena.

Growing location

A bright location is ideal; variegated Striped Dracaena varieties require more light than those with dark green leaves. In low light, leaf variegation may fade.

Temperature

Normal room temperature; can be cooler in winter.

Watering the Striped Dracaena

Water your Striped Dracaena thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, especially in winter.

Fertilizing the Striped Dracaena

From spring to autumn, use a mild fertilizer every couple of weeks during watering.

Dracaena Compacta (Dracaena deremensis)

Dracaena care
The Dracaena Compacta thrives even in relatively low light.

Growing medium

A standard potting soil for houseplants is suitable for the Dracaena Compacta.

Growing location

The Dracaena Compacta thrives even in fairly shaded spots, including on north-facing windows.

Temperature

Normal room temperature; can be cooler in winter.

Watering the Dracaena Compacta

Water your Dracaena Compacta thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Be cautious of overwatering, especially in winter.

Fertilizing the Dracaena Compacta

From spring to autumn, use a mild fertilizer every couple of weeks during watering.

Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)

Dracaena care
The Corn Plant should be protected from direct sunlight.

Growing medium

Plant the Corn Plant in sandy potting soil intended for houseplants.

Growing location

A bright or semi-shaded spot is suitable for the Corn Plant. In too sunny a location, the leaves can easily get damaged.

Temperature

Normal room temperature. In summer, the Corn Plant can be taken outdoors, but even then, protect it from direct sunlight.

Watering the Corn Plant

Water your Corn Plant when the soil surface has clearly dried. Mist the leaves often.

Fertilizing the Corn Plant

Fertilize the Corn Plant every couple of weeks during summer.

Dracaena care
The Corn Plant has beautiful leaf rosettes.

Pruning and propagation of Dracaena

If your Dracaena starts to lose leaves or grow too tall, you can cut its trunk at the desired point. This method can be used to renew the Madagascar Dragon Tree, Dracaena Compacta, Striped Dracaena, and Corn Plant. New shoots will start growing from below the cut.

All Dracaena plants can be propagated by stem cuttings of about 10 centimeters.

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