Also known as Dragon Tree · 17 saves
Dracaena
Dracaena, the genus most gardeners know as dragon tree. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Dracaena varieties
6 species of Dracaena
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Dracaena in Sow
Save the Dracaena you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Dracaena
Whats common across all Dracaena varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Dracaena year
- PruneMarch–May91% of varieties
Trim away dead or yellowed outer leaves cleanly at the base of the rosette.
- FertilizeApril–September91% of varieties
Apply a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer once every four to six weeks during active growth.
- Check for PestsJanuary–December91% of varieties
Inspect the tight leaf crevices regularly for mealybugs and scale insects.
- PropagateMay–July55% of varieties
Take stem tip or cane cuttings to root in water or moist propagation mix.
Do
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight 🌞
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Use a highly porous, mineral-rich potting substrate.
Avoid
- Never let the plant sit in standing water or a saturated saucer.
- Do not fertilize during the fall and winter dormant periods.
- Avoid splashing water directly into the center of the rosette.
- Do not use municipal tap water or softened water containing high sodium levels.
What goes wrong with Dracaena
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | Cottony white masses nestled in the leaf joints and sticky honeydew residue. | Dab the pests directly with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and light-colored stippling on the leaves. | Wipe the foliage with insecticidal soap or neem oil and reduce ambient dry air. |
| Scale insects | Small, hard brown bumps along the leaf blades that suck plant sap. | Scrape off manually or treat with horticultural oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Root rot | Yellowing leaves, a mushy base, and brown, decaying roots at the soil line. | Withhold water immediately, trim away affected roots, and repot into fresh, dry, gritty soil. |
| Leaf spot | Fungal patches on leaf surfaces arising from excessive overhead wetness. | Water at the soil level and improve air circulation around the foliage. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot in fresh soil |
Making more Dracaena
Stem Cuttings
- Cut a healthy cane section or stem tip in spring using sterilized shears, ensuring the cutting is at least three to four inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves to expose at least one or two active nodes along the stem.
- Place the cutting upright in a small container filled with distilled or filtered water, submerging the exposed nodes.
- Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light at room temperature, changing the water weekly until roots develop.
Division
- Unearth the plant during the active spring growing season.
- Locate the bright orange underground rhizomes connecting the rosettes.
- Cut the rhizomes with a sharp, sterile knife, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves.
- Allow the cuts to callus for a few days before replanting in sandy, well-draining soil.
Dracaena questions
How many types of Dracaena are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Dracaena varieties. The most popular — ranked by 17 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Dracaena grow in?
Across its varieties, Dracaena covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Dracaena bloom?
Most Dracaena varieties bloom in rarely flowers indoors, late summer, spring (rarely flowers indoors). Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Dracaena should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.