How to Create New Shoots on a Dracaena Plant

Dracaena is a genus that includes over 40 species of plants. The most common are those of tropical origin that are generally grown as houseplants. These species include Dracaena fragrans -- commonly known as the corn plant -- and D. marginata, the dragon tree. The plants have a tendency to grow up, rather than out, leaving a bare bottom stem with all of the foliage at the top. The best way to urge the plant to produce new shoots is through pruning. Prune the dracaena in spring or summer while it is actively growing.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Loppers

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut the main stem back to the height you desire. If the dracaena has lost most of its foliage toward the bottom, cut the stem to the soil.

   • 2

     Prune the multi-branched dracaena in stages. Cut back one or two stems to within one-half inch of a leaf. When a new shoot appears, cut another branch to within one-half inch of a leaf. This is a less drastic form of pruning than taking the top off the plant.

   • 3

     Place the dracaena in an area where it receives bright, indirect sun to encourage it to produce new shoots after pruning.