Dracaena Soil & Plant Care Guide

Dracaena is a beautiful indoor plant with lush foliage (long green leaves). 

Did you know the Dracaena genus comprises 120+ types of dracaena?

Some popular varieties include:

• Dracaena draco (dragon tree)
• Dracaena fragrans (corn plant or cornstalk plant)
• Dracaena marginata (Madagascar dragon tree)
• Dracaena marginata colorama
• Dracaena sanderiana (lucky bamboo)
• Dracaena trifasciata (snake plant)
• Dracaena massangeana (money plant)
• Dracaena deremensis (Janet Craig) 

Regardless of the variety, dracaena is a slow-growing houseplant you can easily nurture in your garden.  

But how do you care for a dracaena?

Let’s find out:

1. Choosing the Best Soil for Dracaena 

Indoor plants like the dracaena may survive in loamy, succulent, or cactus soil. 

But to thrive, dracaenas need:  

• Well-draining soil with optimal water retention to keep the soil moist. Excessive water retention could lead to root rot.
  
• Light, loose soil with good aeration.
  
• Soil rich in organic matter and nutrients to support plant growth.

Wondering which potting soil meets all these criteria?

Rosy’s dracaena soil mix!

Our potting soil is crafted for different types of dracaena, including Dracaena fragrans plants and Dracaena marginata plants — unlike conventional garden soil or cactus soil. 

2. Maintaining Your Dracaena Plant

Follow these care tips for your dracaena: 

• Like bamboo or orchid plants, dracaena prefers bright indirect light and high humidity.
  
• If possible, opt for distilled water since tap water may contain high fluoride content.
  
• Prune your dracaena during the growing season (spring and summer) — use the stem cuttings for propagation.
  
• Like a monstera plant (or most indoor plants), water your dracaena when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry.
  
• Fertilize with indoor plant food (like compost or worm castings) every two weeks during the growing season.

3. Identifying Issues In Your Dracaena Plant

A dracaena plant has lush green leaves. 

Observe your dracaena leaves to identify improper plant care. 

Three obvious signs include: 

• Withering leaves: Extreme low light or bright light (direct sunlight), overwatering, and dry soil may cause your plant's leaves to fall. However, a falling lower leaf is mostly a natural occurrence.
• Yellowing leaves: Yellow leaves could occur due to high fluoride tap water, excess water, or pest infestations (spider mites or mealy bugs). But older dracaena leaves turning yellow is part of the plant’s natural cycle.
• Browning leaves: Brown leaf tips or brown leaves may indicate dry soil or low humidity.

4. Repotting Your Dracaena Plant 

Repot your dracaena if it’s root-bound or has root rot.

Follow our DIY tips when repotting dracaenas: 

• Add distilled water to your dracaena houseplant a day before repotting. This helps hold the soil together during repotting. 
  
• To prevent lower leaves and foliage from getting in the way, tie them up with ribbons/strings before repotting.
• Place the plant away from direct sunlight to keep the soil moist and reduce repotting stress.