Also known as Dragon Tree · 11 saves
Dracaena
Dracaena, the genus most gardeners know as dragon tree. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Dracaena varieties
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 4 most-grown of them.
The Dracaena year
- PruneMarch and April75% of varieties
Cut back canes to desired height in spring to encourage new growth.
- FertilizeMarch–August75% of varieties
Feed every 4 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer during spring/summer.
- Check for PestsJanuary–November75% of varieties
Regularly inspect leaves for spider mites and mealybugs.
Do
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight 🌞
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water when the topsoil feels dry
- Mist cuttings to maintain humidity
- Repot every 2-3 years for healthy growth
Avoid
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight that can scorch leaves ❌
- Don't overwater; it can cause root rot
- Avoid placing in low light areas
- Refrain from using heavy, clay soils that retain water
What goes wrong with Dracaena
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony clusters on stems and leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine pale speckling on the leaves with faint webbing, worst in dry heated rooms | Rinse the foliage, raise humidity around the plant and treat persistent cases with insecticidal soap |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves and mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and repot in fresh soil |
| Leaf Spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root rot | Lower leaves yellow and drop while the cane softens at the base in constantly wet compost | Repot into free-draining compost, cut away soft roots and water far less; there is no cure once the cane is soft |
Making more Dracaena
Stem Cuttings
- Select healthy stem with at least one leaf node.
- Cut below the node with sterilized scissors.
- Allow cutting to callus for 24 hours.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep in warm, bright location for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Stem cuttings
- Cut a healthy stem with several leaves
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep in warm, humid environment for 6 weeks
- Water lightly to encourage root development
Dracaena questions
How many types of Dracaena are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Dracaena varieties. The most popular — ranked by 11 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 late summer, rarely flowers indoors, 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.