Dracaena is a genus of about 40 versatile, easy-to-grow plants with distinctive, strappy leaves. Although dracaena is suitable for growing outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, it is most often grown as a houseplant.
Depending on the cultivar, dracaena may reach heights of up to 10 feet (3 m.) or even more, which means that regular dracaena trimming will probably be necessary. The good news is that pruning dracaena plants isn’t difficult. These sturdy plants tolerate trims with little complaint, and you can cut back a dracaena to any height you like.
How to Prune a Dracaena
Pruning dracaena plants produces a full, healthy plant, as two or more new branches, each with its own cluster of leaves, will soon appear. Dracaena pruning isn’t at all difficult. Here’s some helpful tips on how to cut back a dracaena.
The best time for pruning dracaena plants is when the plant is actively growing in spring and summer. If possible, avoid dracaena trimming while the plant is dormant in fall and winter.
Be sure your cutting blade is sharp so cuts will be clean and even. Ragged cuts are unsightly and can invite disease. Dip your pruners or knife into a mixture of bleach and water to ensure it is free of disease-causing pathogens.
Cut the canes at an angle to reduce the risk of infection. Remove any damaged canes, brown leaves, or weak growth.
Starting a New Plant with Dracaena Cuttings
When you cut back a dracaena, simply stick the cane in a pot filled with moist sand or perlite. Watch for new growth to appear in a few weeks, which indicates the plant has rooted.
Alternatively, stick the cane in a glass of water on your kitchen windowsill. When it has rooted, plant the cane in a container filled with potting mix.
