Dragon tree / Corn plant
Dracaena
Genus of tropical woody perennial houseplants with strap-like leaves. Includes popular species (D. marginata, D. fragrans); tolerant of low light and moderate watering.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Leaves and sap are toxic to cats and dogs, causing drooling, vomiting, and incoordination if ingested. Handle cuttings with care; keep out of reach of pets and children.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Thrives in bright, indirect light. Place near an east- or north-facing window or a few metres back from a bright south/west window with sheer curtain filtration. Tolerates lower light but will slow growth and lose variegation in dim corners.
Water
Allow the top 2–4 cm (about 1 inch) of potting mix to dry before watering. Water thoroughly until excess drains, then discard drainage. Reduce frequency in winter; avoid soggy soil and standing water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%). Increase humidity with pebble trays, occasional misting, plant grouping, or a small humidifier in dry indoor environments.
Temperature
Best kept between 15–25°C (59–77°F). Avoid prolonged exposure below 12°C (54°F) or above 28–29°C (82–84°F). Protect from drafts and heat vents.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf tips and edges
Cause: Low humidity, fluoride/salt in water, or inconsistent watering
Solution: Raise humidity, use filtered or distilled water, trim brown tips, and keep watering steady without overwatering
Yellowing lower leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage leading to root stress
Solution: Check roots for rot, reduce watering frequency, repot into fresh, well-draining mix if needed
Leggy growth and loss of variegation
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter, indirect light and prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth
Brown and mushy stems or collapse
Cause: Severe root or stem rot from prolonged waterlogging
Solution: Remove affected tissue, reduce watering, repot into sterile, fast-draining mix; discard severely rotted plants
✂️How to Propagate Dragon tree / Corn plant
Stem cuttings: take a 10–20 cm healthy stem, remove lower leaves, let the cut end callus 1 day, then place in well-draining potting mix or water until roots form. Keep warm and bright but out of direct sun. Air-layering: wound a stem, apply moist sphagnum moss and wrap with plastic; roots form in a few weeks to months, then sever and pot. Division: separate multi-stemmed clumps at the rootball during repotting.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Asparagaceae
Native to: Native to tropical Africa, Madagascar and parts of Southeast Asia.
Natural Habitat: Grows in the shaded understory of tropical and subtropical forests, favoring well-drained soils, filtered light under canopy cover, warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and feed sparingly. Keep plant away from cold drafts and radiators. Maintain bright indirect light and moderate humidity to prevent leaf tip browning.
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin monthly balanced fertiliser. Repot if rootbound and prune to shape; new growth responds well to increased light.
Summer
Provide bright indirect light, consistent watering when topsoil dries, and higher humidity. Watch for pests and move away from intense direct sun to avoid leaf scorch.
Fall
Gradually reduce fertiliser and water as growth slows. Check for pests and tidy up dead leaves; prepare to reduce watering frequency in cooler months.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my dracaena?
Water when the top 2–4 cm of soil is dry, typically every 1–2 weeks depending on light and season.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown?
Common causes are low humidity, fluoride/salt in water, or inconsistent watering; try using filtered water and increasing humidity.
Can I propagate dracaena from cuttings?
Yes—stem cuttings root easily in water or soil; air-layering also works well for larger stems.
Is dracaena safe for pets?
No. Dracaena is toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting, drooling and incoordination.
Does dracaena need direct sunlight?
No. It prefers bright, indirect light; direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025