Dracaena plants are a fixture in many homes, gracing a spot in front of a window or bringing needed decor to a corner. Their large size and height can make them a focal point. In warmer climates, dracaena lives outdoors year-round. Since the dracaena is highly visible, we want to keep it healthy and looking great. Appropriate care includes fertilizing dracaena correctly. This article will help with that.
Prior to Feeding a Dracaena Plant
Before we discuss feeding a dracaena and dracaena fertilizer needs, let's talk about some problems that might resemble fertilization errors. Leaf tips and edges may turn brown from the wrong kind of fertilizer. However, they may display this problem from too little humidity as well, so before you fertilize, correct humidity issues if needed. Mist daily, place a pebble tray nearby, or purchase a room humidifier. Adding proper humidity will be suitable for your plant and it will begin to look better even before fertilization. Yellowing of leaf tips and edges sometimes indicate the plant has gotten too much fluoride. This might come from the water or from the soil. Perlite in soil can provide fluoride as can superphosphate fertilizer. Consider what is turning your plant tips yellow before fertilizing dracaena. Streaks and spots can result from too much direct sunlight. Poor soil drainage, too much water, drafts, temperature changes, or insect infestation can cause leaves to drop off, so clear up these problems before fertilizing dracaena. Ideally, you have a healthy plant to repot into fresh soil before fertilizing, but if not, clear up any issues that you can. Learning how to fertilize dracaena will likely make your plant healthier and possibly promote a surge of growth.
Dracaena Fertilizer Needs
Some experts recommend to fertilize these low feeders only once in spring and again in early autumn. Others say to feed once or twice a month during spring and summer. Feed them in March through September, allowing a period of dormancy during winter. Use a low dose, balanced plant food. If your dracaena is inside, you may want to use less fertilizer than for those growing outside. Dracaena grows slowly, so proper care allows the plant to grow in its timeframe. Pruning this plant may promote growth as well. Remove damaged parts of leaves with sharp pruners, keep the soil moist, and provide proper light for a happy and beautiful dracaena plant. Choose a feeding schedule and learn when to feed a dracaena for the most rewarding results.
