How to Grow Dracaena

Dracaena marginata

Perennial

Dracaena is a striking, low-maintenance houseplant that tolerates lower light levels better than most tropical plants, making it ideal for spots away from windows. It prefers filtered light, moderate watering, and temperatures above 10°C year-round. The standout tip is to use rainwater or filtered water — fluoride in tap water accumulates over time and causes the brown leaf tips dracaena is notorious for.

Yearly Lifecycle

Jan

Spring Growth

Feb

Growing

Mar

Growing

Apr

Growing

May

Growing

Jun

Growing

Jul

Growing

Aug

Growing

Sept

Growing

Oct

Growing

Nov

Growing

Dec

Growing

Care Essentials

Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Do not feed in autumn or winter — dracaena grows slowly and excess fertiliser causes brown leaf tips.

Watch For

Spider mites — fine webbing and stippled yellowing leaves in dry air
Scale insects on stems and leaf bases
Mealybug in leaf axils
Fluoride toxicity — brown leaf tips from tap water or fertiliser

Pet Safety

Cats: Toxic

Dogs: Toxic

Source

Care Requirements

Light

Bright indirect to low light

Prefers filtered light and tolerates lower light levels than most tropical plants. Avoid direct sunlight which scorches leaves. Ideal for positions away from windows.

Watering

Moderate, allow top to dry

Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Use rainwater or filtered water to avoid fluoride damage. Reduce to every two to three weeks in winter.

Fertilizing

Monthly in spring and summer

Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season. Stop entirely in autumn and winter. Excess fertiliser causes brown leaf tips.