Dracaena Cutting Propagation – Learn How To Root Dracaena Cuttings
Dracaena is one of the most popular of houseplants because it is easy to grow and it comes in numerous varieties, all with stunning foliage. Growing dracaena from cuttings is a great way to rejuvenate an older plant, to get new plants for your home, or to share with friends.
Propagating Dracaena Cuttings
There is more than one way to propagate dracaena by cuttings. One of the simplest is to take off the crown. Cut just below the bunch of leaves at the top of the plant and be sure you get at least one node. Place the cut end in water and put it in a warm spot. The roots should start to grow quickly, as long as you keep it warm. Plant your cutting in soil when the roots have gotten between one and two inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) long. Alternatively, you can dip the end of the cutting in rooting powder and plant it directly in soil. With this method you get a new plant, and your old dracaena will start growing again from the cut point. You can use the same basic strategy and remove stems from the side of the plant. Not all dracaena will have side stems, and some take many years to branch out. If your plant does have these stems, you can take off any of them and use the method above for additional dracaena cutting propagation.
Growing Dracaena from Cuttings
Give your cuttings the best possible start to ensure you get big, healthy plants. Dracaena tolerates a range of soil types, but drainage is important. Use a houseplant potting mix, but add vermiculite or peat moss to improve drainage, and be sure the pot has holes at the bottom. Once it’s potted, find a warm spot for your dracaena, and be sure it gets plenty of indirect light. The surest way to kill a dracaena is to over water it. Water the plant about once a week or when the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so of soil has dried completely. Use an indoor plant fertilizer as recommended and watch your new dracaena cuttings take off.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz
‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners They'll Actually Use – Starting At $10
Stocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
By Laura Walters