More tolerant of missed waterings than of being kept constantly wet — let it dry out somewhat between waterings from day one.
Care
Tolerates moderate shade.
Allow the top half of the compost to dry between waterings.
Peat-free, well-drained houseplant compost.
Cut back leggy canes to encourage fresh growth lower down, which reshoots readily from the cut point.
A balanced feed monthly through the growing season, at half the stated strength — dracaenas are sensitive to salt build-up and to the fluoride in some tap water, and both show as brown leaf tips.
Cut the cane into sections in summer: the top piece roots as a cutting, and the bare sections sprout new shoots if kept warm and just moist the right way up. Cutting a leggy plant back is therefore also how you multiply it.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2 years if rootbound. how ›
- NovemberReduce watering through winter. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- AprilMonthly liquid feed through the growing season. how ›
- AprilRepot every 2 years if rootbound. how ›
- NovemberReduce watering through winter. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Often from fluoride/chlorine in tap water or dry air.
What to do. Use rainwater or leave tap water to stand, increase humidity.
How to spot it. From overwatering.
What to do. Water less.
Questions
Dracaena: is it hardy?
H1b: Tender, needs above 10°C. It survives above 10 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
Standard container culture.
Dracaena: when do you prune it?
Cut back leggy canes to encourage fresh growth lower down, which reshoots readily from the cut point.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed monthly through the growing season, at half the stated strength — dracaenas are sensitive to salt build-up and to the fluoride in some tap water, and both show as brown leaf tips. Feeding months, UK: April–September.