How to Care for Dracaena draco

Pot Dracaena draco plants in commercially prepared succulent potting mix, or create your own by mixing 2 parts potting soil, 1 part coarse sand, and 1 part perlite. Providing poor, well-draining soil is the most important factor in successfully caring for Dracaena draco plants, since they easily succumb to root rot in dense, moist soil.

Position Dracaena draco plants where they will receive bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours each day, such as near a large window with unobstructed southerly exposure. Avoid positioning Dracaena draco plants against north-facing windows since the light is too dim and conditions are typically too cool to fulfill the needs of the species.

Maintain temperatures at 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, and 55 to 65 F during the winter months. Protect the plant against cold drafts and cool, dank conditions.

Water Dracaena draco plants sparingly year-round. Wait until the top 2 inches of soil dries out completely before you water. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the pot for each 4 inches in pot diameter. For example, a Dracaena draco in an 8-inch pot needs 1 cup of water, while one in a 16-inch pot needs 2 cups of water.

Feed Dracaena draco plants every six weeks from May until late September. Use 1-7-6 formula cactus fertilizer to feed the plant. Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended strength, but follow the directions carefully when applying it to the soil to keep from harming the plant's root system.

Prune away and discard damaged leaves as they appear on the Dracaena draco. Snip off the leaf at its point of origin with clean pruning shears. Be careful not to nick the branch or trunk when you prune the plant, since it exudes a thick, red sap that will stain your skin and clothing.