How to Care for Dracaena Reflexa

Dracaena reflexa charms gardeners with its glossy evergreen leaves, which occur with variegated and solid color variations. Commonly called pleomele, the species occurs naturally on islands throughout the Indian Ocean and is suited to warm, somewhat dry environments, so it grows well under normal indoor conditions. Caring for Dracaena reflexa takes little effort if it is provided with draining soil and very bright light, but it is sensitive to cold drafts so it must be kept away from doors and leaky windows during the winter months.

Things You'll Need

5-5-5 formula fertilizer
Floral snips

Plant mister

Instructions

- 1
  Place the Dracaena reflexa plant where it will receive at least 350 foot candles of light, which is equivalent to the light found near a large, unshaded window with southern or western exposure. Keep the plant within 4 feet of the window for maximum light exposure.
- 2
  Water the Dracaena reflexa plant once every 10 to 14 days. Pour 1 cup of water onto the soil for every 4 inches of diameter of the planter. For example, an 8-inch-diameter planter needs 2 cups of water and a 16-inch-diameter planter requires 4 cups of water.
- 3
  Feed the Dracaena reflexa plant once every four weeks from late April until mid-September. Apply 1/2 strength 5-5-5 formula fertilizer to the soil in accordance with the label directions. Water the plant thoroughly after feeding it.
- 4
  Remove yellow or damaged leaves as they appear throughout the year. Cut the leaves off at their point of origin and discard them. Use very sharp, clean floral snips or other narrow-bladed pruning shears to prune Dracaena reflexa plants.
- 5
  Mist the foliage once a week to help prevent brown edges and excessive dust build-up. Apply a light layer of moisture to the leaves with four or five spritzes from a plant mister.

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