Dracaena is a genus of around 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs, common varieties of which include corn plants and dragon trees. The smaller species are sold as lucky bamboo plants, but they are not actually related to bamboo at all. Rather, this genus belongs to the family Asparagaceae.
Like all plants, your dracaena will periodically outgrow its pot, and will need to be transferred to a larger pot. This prevents the roots becoming rootbound, and thus avoids slowed or stunted growth. It can also provide essential nutrients for the plant, because you will be replacing the potting mix at the same time as repotting. Over time, the plant’s soil becomes depleted of nutrients, so fresh soil is also important for the plant’s overall health. In this article, we will explain how to repot your dracaena, as well as providing some tips on how to care for this plant, and details of some common species.
How to repot dracaena
First, you will need to prepare a pot and potting mix that are ideal for your dracaena. The pot should be one size larger than the previous one, to give the roots more space to grow. Do not choose a pot that is too large, however, as this could result in too much water being retained in the extra soil, which can lead to root rot.
Combine equal parts potting soil and vermiculite, mixing them well. Fill the pot halfway with this mix and water it thoroughly.
Next, remove the dracaena from its current pot. It will slide out easily if it is rootbound, because the roots will be circling the pot and holding the soil together in one mass.
Use your fingers to tease the roots apart. This may take some time if the plant has become severely rootbound, but do not rush this, as you risk damaging the roots. Trim off any soft, damaged or dead roots and loosen the fatter ones.
Position the plant in the new pot to assess the depth and add more soil to the base if necessary. Then, fill the spaces around the roots with the new soil mix, up to one inch below the pot’s rim.
Water the plant until water flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow it to drain for 15 minutes and repeat the watering process. When the soil has settled, add more until the surface is back to one inch below the pot’s rim.
Dracaena plant care
These plants are prone to overwatering, just like most houseplants, so always plant them in pots that have drainage holes. Use a standard, well-draining potting mix and give it time to dry out between waterings. Water the plants more often during spring and summer, which are the growing seasons, and less during fall and winter. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer.
The plant’s lighting requirements will depend on the species. Varieties like D. fragrans and D. massangeana thrive in low light, but D. marginata prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight could damage the leaves unless the plant has always grown in direct sun and is accustomed to it.
These plants do not need too much water, but when the soil dries out they should be given a good soak. Use filtered water, rainwater or distilled water, since they are sensitive to salts and minerals. They also prefer their soil on the dry side, because soil that is too moist promotes root rot and fungus.
The ideal temperature for dracaenas is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden cold or frost could damage their leaves, so keep them away from drafts during the winter. These plants prefer higher humidity levels during summer or in forced-air environments.
To reduce your plant’s size, cut off the top. New foliage will grow back at the top and the plant will have a fuller look. If the plant is not growing well, try moving it to a spot with more light.
How to propagate dracaena
To propagate dracaena, take cuttings from plants that have grown too tall or leggy and root them in water. Be aware that rooting could take several months. Repot the cuttings when the roots have grown to an inch long. Multiple cuttings can be planted in one pot.
Some plant owners have also rooted cuttings by laying them on soil and keeping the soil moist until roots develop.
Where to grow dracaenas
Dracaenas do best in areas with bright, indirect sunlight, but some species can tolerate low or medium light. However, keep them away from excessive sunlight since this can cause sunburn. Also avoid areas with low humidity. If you live in an area with lower-than-desired humidity, mist the plant’s leaves occasionally to boost the moisture around it, or place the plant’s pot in a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water.
Popular species of dracaena
1. Dracaena marginata
This species is also known as the dragon tree, or Madagascar dragon tree. It is easy to maintain, but it may take three years to reach its mature height of four feet. The leaf variations within this species include dracaena magenta and marginata colorama.
2. Dracaena marco
This species is usually grown as a houseplant, but it is also ideal for outdoors, especially if you are in a tropical or subtropical area. It can grow up to 25 feet tall, and produces greenish-white flowers that turn into orange berries during the summertime.
3. Dracaena arborea
This species is best suited to the outdoors, especially in tropical areas. It does well in areas of partial shade to bright, direct sunlight. Although drought-tolerant, it should be watered regularly and needs well-draining soil.
4. Dracaena fragrans / massangeana
This is also known as a corn plant or mass cane, since the leaves resemble corn leaves. It does not need much water and thrives in low light conditions. This makes it ideal for office reception areas, malls, hallways and sunrooms.
5. Dracaena reflexa
This species has varieties that include songs of Jamaica and songs of India plants. It has wider leaves than the marginata, with cream-colored margins. This plant occasionally produces small flowers.
6. Dracaena deremensis Janet Craig
This species has attractive, dark green leaves that grow in compact tufts. It is easy to grow and care for, and varieties include dracaena deremensis Lisa, dracaena deremensis Michiko, and dracaena deremensis Hawaiian sunshine.
Conclusion
Dracaena plants are popular indoor plants that add aesthetic value to hallways, sunrooms, offices and homes. They will periodically outgrow their pots, like any plant, and will need repotting when this happens. You may also need to repot them to refresh their soil, which becomes depleted of nutrients over time.
To repot these plants, use a well-draining potting mix and a pot one size larger than the current pot, with adequate drainage holes. Trim off any damaged roots and loosen fatter and tangled ones, and water the plant well after repotting it.
Image: istockphoto.com / Jamaludin Yusup