Dracaena angustifolia, also known as Dragon Tree or Red-edged Dracaena, is a popular houseplant due to its striking appearance and straightforward care. Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, it features long, slender leaves, often vibrant green with reddish margins. Its graceful form and adaptability make it a favored choice for homes and offices.
Caring for Dracaena Angustifolia
Light Requirements
Dracaena angustifolia thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural understory habitat. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown spots or discoloration. Insufficient light results in leggy growth and a loss of vibrant leaf coloration.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is essential for Dracaena angustifolia, which prefers moderate moisture but is sensitive to overwatering. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry completely between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes crispy leaves. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent roots from sitting in saturated soil.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is ideal for Dracaena angustifolia to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A suitable mix often includes components like peat, perlite, and pine bark, or peat moss and vermiculite. Dracaenas prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
When selecting a pot, choose one no more than 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Repot every 2 to 3 years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes or the plant becomes top-heavy. The best time to repot is in spring, before active growth begins.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
Dracaena angustifolia thrives in warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C), reflecting its tropical origins. It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C). While it tolerates average indoor humidity, it benefits from moderate to high humidity levels.
To increase humidity, especially in drier environments, use several methods. Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring roots do not sit directly in the water. Grouping several plants together also creates a more humid microclimate. A room humidifier can effectively raise ambient humidity.
Fertilizing
Dracaena angustifolia benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, often diluted to half strength to prevent over-fertilization. Apply fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during this period for healthy growth. Cease fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows or during periods of stress. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn.
Propagation Methods
Propagating Dracaena angustifolia is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem and use a clean, sharp cutting tool to take a section with at least two nodes.
The cutting can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cut end into room-temperature water, submerging the nodes. Change the water regularly. Once roots are several inches long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
For soil propagation, allow the cut end to air dry for a few hours to form a callus. Plant it about 1 to 2 inches deep in moist potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in bright, indirect light. New leaf growth indicates successful rooting.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Dracaena angustifolia can encounter various issues, often signaling environmental imbalances or pest infestations. Brown leaf tips are a common problem, frequently caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water. Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers, and use distilled or filtered water. Yellowing leaves, particularly older ones, can be normal, but widespread yellowing often indicates overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure good drainage to correct this.
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can affect Dracaena angustifolia. Spider mites show as fine webbing and tiny red or brown specks on leaves, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth helps prevent pests. For infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leaf drop can occur due to stressors like drastic temperature changes, drafts, or severe over/underwatering.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning Dracaena angustifolia maintains its desired size and shape, and encourages bushier growth. This plant can grow up to 6 feet indoors and can be pruned to a smaller size. When pruning, use clean, sharp shears.
Remove dead or yellowing leaves by cutting them close to the main stem. For leggy stems or to encourage branching, cut the tops at a 45-degree angle to the desired height. New sprouts emerge below the cut within a few months. Regular pruning enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal and contributes to its overall health by removing spent or unhealthy foliage.
Toxicity Information
Dracaena angustifolia is toxic to pets, specifically cats and dogs, if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can cause adverse reactions. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness, and dilated pupils in cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, immediate veterinary attention is advised.
While not highly toxic to humans, keep the plant out of reach of small children and anyone who might accidentally ingest it.