Dracaena is the “indoor palm” with a tuft of long leaves on a trunk that suits any interior; it lives for decades and some reach the ceiling. Here are the main dracaena types with names (marginata, fragrans, sanderiana and more), home care, why leaf tips turn brown, why it drops leaves and how to propagate it. More plants with names and tips in our houseplant catalogue.
Dracaena marginata is the most popular: narrow stiff leaves edged in red or pink on slim, twisting trunks; easy-going and more tolerant of dry air than most.
Dracaena fragrans has broad arching leaves, with a yellow central stripe in Massangeana, and may bloom with white flowers that scent the night.
Dracaena sanderiana, “lucky bamboo”, has green stems topped with leaves, sold growing in water and often twisted into spirals.
Dracaena reflexa has short leaves in tight spirals; the variegated Song of India has yellow edges.
The dragon tree, from the Canary Islands, has a thick trunk and red resin called dragon’s blood. Dracaena is often called a palm, though it is a different plant; see indoor palms for the difference.
Dracaena care at home
Light: bright and indirect. Variegated types need more light, green ones tolerate partial shade; direct sun burns the leaves.
Water when the top 2–3 cm is dry, less in winter; standing water in the saucer causes root rot.
Temperature: +18…+25 °C, not below +15 °C in winter; mist during the heating season.
Feeding: every 2–3 weeks from April to September with a foliage plant fertiliser.
When the top 2–3 cm is dry: usually weekly in summer, less in winter.
Why are dracaena leaf tips brown?
Dry air, irregular watering or hard, chlorinated water.
Why does dracaena drop its lower leaves?
It’s natural as the trunk forms; heavy leaf drop signals overwatering or cold.
Does dracaena flower indoors?
Rarely; Dracaena fragrans is the one most likely to bloom, with scented white flowers.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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