Dracaena plants are common houseplants, widely appreciated for their varied foliage and ease of care. Many owners are surprised to discover these popular indoor plants can produce flowers. Blooming is rare for indoor specimens, often signaling a plant that has reached significant maturity and is thriving.
Dracaena Bloom Characteristics
When a dracaena blooms, it produces small, star-shaped flowers, often white, pale yellow, or pinkish, appearing in dense clusters on a long, upright stalk emerging from the plant’s foliage. Their strong, sweet fragrance becomes intense during evening and nighttime hours, often described as a mix of honey, jasmine, or lilac. A sticky, clear sap or nectar can drip from the flowers; this nectar attracts pollinators in the plant’s natural habitat but can create a sugary residue on surfaces below the plant indoors.
Encouraging Dracaena Blooms
Encouraging a dracaena to bloom indoors involves providing consistent, optimal care over an extended period. Maturity is a significant factor, as many dracaenas need to be several years old, sometimes even a decade or more, before they have the potential to flower. Reaching this mature stage under stable conditions is more important than attempting to force a bloom.
Bright, indirect light is beneficial for dracaenas, supporting the energy production needed for flowering, though direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Consistent watering, allowing the top soil to dry slightly between waterings, provides adequate moisture. Stable, warm temperatures, typically between 60-80°F, and average to slightly increased humidity levels contribute to the plant’s overall well-being. Fertilization with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the active growing seasons supports the plant’s nutritional needs. While some environmental stress might occasionally trigger a bloom, sustained good care is the primary reason for an indoor dracaena to flower.
Caring for a Blooming Dracaena
When a dracaena is actively blooming, certain care adjustments are helpful. The sticky sap or nectar produced by the flowers can drip onto floors or furniture, so placing a protective layer, such as a tray or cloth, underneath the plant is advisable. Maintaining regular watering and light conditions is important as the plant expends considerable energy during the flowering process. While it might be tempting to remove the flower stalk, it is recommended to allow the plant to complete its blooming cycle naturally. The plant will focus its resources on flower development, which might temporarily slow down its foliage growth.
What Happens After Blooming
After the dracaena flowers fade, the stalk will eventually dry out and can then be removed by cutting it close to the main stem. It is normal for the plant to experience a temporary slowdown in its vegetative growth following a bloom, as it has invested significant energy into producing flowers and needs time to recover. With continued consistent care, the dracaena will return to its usual growth pattern, focusing its energy back into foliage development. While a specific stalk blooms only once, the plant may produce new flower stalks from other parts in subsequent years, though blooming remains a rare event for indoor dracaenas.