The plant's original cousins contracted their names from the oozy red resin they reveal upon being cut. It appeared that the plant was "alive" and bleeding. Legends explain where the red oozing flow fell, hundreds of trees grew into what is now called the Dragon Trees, aka Dracaena Tree. If you accidentally cut the Dracaena, the red resin is only in the cousin plant, not this one!
Care Level: I'm Easy
Pet Friendly: Warning
Toxic to pets if ingested.
Origins: Native to the islands of Madagascar, Mauritius and the Indian Ocean.
Fun Facts: The name dracaena...
The name dracaena is derived from the Romanized form of the Ancient Greek δράκαινα – drakaina, "female dragon".
Moderate, indirect light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
Water well and then allow the soil to dry out between each watering.
Enjoys humidity. Spritz occasionally.
Keep this plant on the warmer side and avoid cold drafts.
Outside: Keep them in part shade (early morning sun) on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn and bring inside when nights are below 55°F.
The Dracaena Tree doesn't need a lot of fertilizer and may become sensitive to too much salts if applied too often. Apply a liquid fertilizer at half strength especially formulated for indoor plants. Avoid using water with chemicals (chlorine or fluoride). Apply once a month during the spring, summer and fall season. Let them rest during the winter.
When receiving the Dracaena Tree do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months. Repot every 3-5 years or when the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes.
Repot in the spring, using a 2 inches bigger pot to keep the roots drier.
Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow it to drain. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage.
Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let them sit an hour.
Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1 inch below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
Water well to dampen the soil and let drain.
Prune your Dracaena tree in the spring and summer during the growing season. If yellow or browning tips develop, cut the discoloration off with sterilize scissors and flush the soil to remove any accumulated salts in the soil.
To prune the stems to produce more foliage, use a clean, sharp knife. Make a cut anywhere on the long cane. They will look naked until sprouts emerge around the cut area. Use the cuttings for propagation.
Take a stem cutting with sanitized pruners 4-6 inches long with the leaves attached.
Dip the cuttings in water, then in a rooting hormone.
Use a pot with drainage. Place the stem 1-2 inches down into the damp, well-draining, moist potting soil mix and tamp down around the stem.
Place a clear plastic bag over the cutting to mimic a greenhouse and mist the bag. Set them in bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting.
Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish.
After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are secure.
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