How do I care for a dracaena houseplant?
Light and temperature
Most dracaenas tolerate a wide range of light, from medium indirect light to bright spots near a window, but very dim corners slow growth. Keep them away from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings. Average indoor temperatures suit them well.
Watering and water quality
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and let excess water drain fully. Overwatering is the most common problem, and it can cause yellow leaves and soft stems. Dracaenas are sensitive to salts and fluoride in some tap water, so if you see brown leaf tips, try filtered or rainwater, or let tap water sit out before use.
- Water less often in winter
- Flush the soil with extra water every few months to remove mineral buildup
- Trim brown tips with clean scissors if you want a neater look
- Repot when roots fill the pot
Feeding and pet safety
Feed dracaena lightly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to the label strength, and skip feeding in winter. Dracaenas are generally listed as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep them out of reach and check the ASPCA list if a pet chews one.
Common mistakes
- Watering on a set schedule instead of checking the soil.
- Overfeeding, which can burn roots and damage leaf tips.
- Ignoring brown tips that come from water quality.
