Dracaena

Dracaena

Madagascar Dragon Tree or Corn Plant

Varieties

Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii Ulises’ or ‘Elegance’ / Dracaena marginata  ‘Bicolor’ or ‘Tricolor’ 

Origin

Native to southeast Africa

Air purifying
For beginners
Low light tolerant
Toxic to pets/people

General Care

Light

Medium to bright filtered. Tolerates low light. Avoid direct sun, which scorches leaves.

Temperature

18-24°C.

Humidity

Higher. For extra humidity: mist 1-2 times per week, place pot on moist pebbles in a tray, group with other plants, or, introduce a humidifier.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks. Water moderately (spring-fall) and allow moist soil to dry halfway. Water sparingly (winter) and allow barely moist soil to dry within top 1”.  Always check moisture level before watering. Aerate mix to improve its condition. 

Fertilizer

Once a month at half-strength (spring-fall). Use organic houseplant fertilizer, according to packaging instructions.

Maintenance

Every 1-2 weeks, rotate plant to ensure even growth. Every 1-2 months, dust leaves with soft, damp cloth and inspect for pests, when doing so. Trim unsightly leaf tips into a “V” with sterile shears. Remove ageing yellow leaves by their sheath.

Potting and Repotting

Soil-based potting mix. For small plants: every 1-2 years (spring) move plant into a planter 1-2” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. For large plants: every 2-3 years (spring) move plant into a planter 2-4” larger (diameter and depth); or, repot in the same planter, using new potting mix, after cleaning planter and partially trimming back roots and foliage. Top dress annually, once maximum convenient planter size reached.

Special Points/Common Problems: 

  • Brown tips with yellow edging may suggest over-watering or excess fluoride, chlorine, salt or other minerals in the water. Some brown tips are normal while mostly brown tips are not.
  • Fully yellow leaves and crispy brown tips without yellow edging may suggest underwatering.
  • May produce spike of fragrant, tiny white flowers. Once flowers faded, trim spike at its base.