How to Care for the Durable and Exotic Dracaena Plant Indoors

Grow dracaena plants in containers approximately twice the size of the root ball. Use a container that drains, as oversaturated conditions may cause root rot and plant death. Consider the particular plant’s growth habits and mature height when you choose a suitable pot. Grow the dracaena in larger containers for a larger plant.

Fill the container with potting mix that drains well. All varieties of dracaena are relatively drought-tolerant and handle dry conditions better than wet. Plant the dracaena at the same level it was growing in the nursery container.

Water dracaena plants when the soil feels dry. Use distilled water, as fluoride-treated tap water sometimes causes leaf tip burn and browning. Allow the soil to dry between each application of water.

Fertilizer dracaena plants only while the plant shows active growth. Use a liquid or water-soluble fertilizer formulated for houseplants. Follow the product’s directions concerning mixing and applying. Apply a fertilizer biweekly. Dracaenas grown in low-light conditions require less fertilizer than those grown in brighter conditions.

Set the dracaena in appropriate light conditions, considering the particular species. Read the plant label’s instructions concerning light requirements. Situate varieties such as Dracaena marginata in an area receiving medium light. Place varieties such as Dracaena deremensis “Janet Craig” in areas indoors receiving less light.

Inspect the dracaena for pests prone to infesting indoor plants. Check the foliage for scales, spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. Treat the infestation with an insecticide or insecticidal soap that is safe for use on dracaena plants. Follow product instructions concerning mixing, applications and frequency.