Dracaena is an evergreen plant of the asparagus family. It is native to Africa and Southeast Asia. In our latitudes it is successfully grown in indoor conditions.

Popularity and value gained due to the beautiful leaves, similar to a palm tree and easy maintenance

Location

Optimal placement of dracaena near the western or southern window, in the warm season — outdoors, in a shaded place.

Temperature regime

Optimal temperature +18…+25 °C. Protect from sharp temperature changes, drafts, air flows from air conditioners and fans. It is necessary to maintain average air humidity, so in the heating season it is recommended to regularly spray the leaves or put a container of water nearby.

Lighting

Dracaenas prefer bright, diffused light, but can also adapt to penumbra. Direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves, so it is better to place the plant on an east or west window or use curtains to diffuse light. In winter, the plant should be supplemented with artificial light sources. Lack of light is disastrous for the plant.

Soil

A well-drained soil (see here) with a pH value of 5–6 is required. For example, soil with high drainage capacity and air permeability: 70% Akadama, 20% Kiryuzuna, 10% Lava.

Watering

Water for watering should be taken soft, settled for several days. Watering dracaena should be moderate. In summer — 1–2 times a week, in winter — less often, focusing on the drying of the top layer of soil. Excess water can lead to rotting roots, so it is important to use soil and pot with good drainage properties. It is useful to arrange a shower to rid the leaves of dust and not provoke the appearance of pests. It is especially critical to do this during the heating season.

Fertilization

Feed once a month from spring to fall. In winter — once every 1.5-2 months.
Fertilizer: Biogold or Hanagokoro (see here).

Repotting

Young plants once a year in spring, adults once every 2 or 3 years.

Wintering

During the onset of frost, check for cold air currents from a window or ventilation. Proximity to heaters can have a negative effect. The temperature during the winter period should not be lower than +15 °C.
Avoid abundant watering, feeding should preferably be suspended from December to early March.

Shaping and pruning

An essential stage of care to form a beautiful crown and stimulate the growth of new shoots. It is performed in spring, during the period of active growth. The cuts are treated with special preparations for treating wounds after pruning (see here). The dying off of the lower leaves of a dracaena is a natural process. First the leaves turn yellow, then wither and fall off. Over time, the trunk lengthens and loses its attractiveness, so it is shortened, and the tops are used as cuttings. The remaining old trunk with roots will give new shoots usually up to 4.

Diseases and pests

Dracaenas are rarely affected by mites or aphids. In the fight against insects help insecticides for indoor plants or wiping the leaves with a warm soap solution. For reliability, it is better to carry out treatments with different preparations at intervals of 3–10 days. This gives a better chance to get rid of pests at all stages — from larvae to adults.
Diseases arise, mainly due to insufficient care.

• Yellowing leaves – lack or excess moisture, lack of nitrogen in the soil.
• Brown tips of leaves – dry air, insufficient watering, drafts.
• Slow growth – a sign of root rot.
• Brown spots on the leaves – insufficient watering.
• Dry spots on the leaves – sunburns.
• Curling leaves – big difference between day and night temperature.