Dracaena Care: 3 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 3 Dracaena varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Dracaena. They share a love of almost no natural light -- a north window or a dim corner is fine.

The Species

  • Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Dracaena trifasciata) -- Same plant as the snake plant under an older name -- care is identical.
  • Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) -- Brown leaf edges mean fluoride or over-fertiliser -- flush the soil.
  • Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) -- Usually grown in water with pebbles -- change the water monthly.

Shared Care

  • Light: almost no natural light -- a north window or a dim corner is fine.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with splitting the clump at repotting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.