Propagation of Red-Margined Dracaena

Preparation

• Use a pot with a diameter of at least 4 inches to accommodate the length of the cane cutting. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom, otherwise the cane cutting is likely to rot. For propagating dracaena, use a lightweight, well-drained potting soil such as a commercial mixture containing peat moss and either perlite or vermiculite. You can also create your own mix by combining equal parts peat moss and perlite or vermiculite and perlite. Moisten the potting soil until it is evenly damp but not dripping, and then firm the soil lightly with your fingers.

Cutting

• To ensure that the plant is well hydrated, water the dracaena the evening before transplanting. If your dracaena is growing outdoors, take the cuttings in the cool of the morning, or take cane cuttings from indoor plants any time of day. To take cane cuttings, cut a length of bare stem from a mature plant, and then cut the stem into 3- to 5-inch pieces. Be sure each stem cutting has several nodes, which are the points where leaves previously grew from the stem. Make each cut just below a leaf node.

Planting the Cuttings

• Lay the cane cutting horizontally on the potting mixture so that the top half of each stem -- with at least one bud -- faces upward and the bottom half of the stem is buried in the soil. The cane will develop roots from buds on the underside of the stem and new leaves on the buds facing up. Alternatively, you can plant the cuttings vertically, about 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Although it isn't absolutely required, you can speed rooting by dusting the downward-facing buds with rooting hormone just before planting.

Care

• Dracaena cuttings root best in a warm, humid environment. To create a miniature greenhouse, slide the pot into a clear plastic bag and secure the bag with a rubber band. Put the pot where the cutting is exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid sunny windows or other places where the light is intense, as bright light may scorch the cane. The plastic keeps the potting soil moist for several weeks; however, check the potting soil every day and water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist. Don't overwater, as the cane will rot in soggy soil. Remove the plastic and plant the cane vertically in a small pot filled with commercial potting soil when new leaves and shoots appear.