For beginning gardeners, one of the easiest plants to grow is dracaena. This big group of tropical plants can grow indoors even in low light and other tough conditions. They can also be grown outside (some are hardy down to Zone 7). Dracaena grows as a large tree in its native habitat, occurring in shrubby or tree-like forms. The long sword-shaped foliage comes in an array of green, gold, and variegated colors.
Categorization within this genus can be somewhat confusing, with some species overlapping. Dracaena is commonly mistaken for Cordyline, while the popular snake plant Sansevieria was recently reclassified as Dracaena.
The smooth, spear-shaped or grass-like leaves can be solid, striped, or speckled, and they come in gold, chartreuse, pink, red, or white.
Clusters of star-shaped flowers in colors of white, pink or yellow appear on slender stems. Most varieties rarely blooms indoors. Dracaena fragrans, which is the most likely species to bloom indoors, bears scented flowers.
Bushy shrub or vertical tree-like form, 6 to 50 feet tall and 3 to 25 feet wide
Dracaena produces saponins, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Dracaena plants are nontoxic to humans.
Indoors, place near a window that receives at least 2 to 4 hours of bright indirect light. It’s okay to put plants outside in the summer as long as they don’t get direct sun or deep shade.
Ideal daytime temperature range is 65-78 degrees F, with nighttime temperatures ten degrees cooler. Keep away from heating vents or cold drafts. Temperatures below 50-55 degrees F may harm plants.
Dracaena prefers average air humidity between 40-50%. When it’s dry inside in the winter, mist plants once or twice a week, or put pots on a shallow saucer with pebbles and water.
Use a high-quality, well-drained potting soil that is well-draining. Dracaenas prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0-6.5.
Choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the root ball. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes.
With their sculptural foliage and vibrant colors, it’s no wonder dracaena plants are a popular houseplant choice. But did you know many dracaena varieties can also thrive planted directly in garden beds and borders? By providing a few key conditions, you can successfully transition dracaena from indoor life to growing outdoors.
An Overview of Dracaena Houseplants
Dracaena is a genus made up of around 120 different plants, many with striking leaves that come in shades of green, red, orange, yellow, or variegated patterns Some of the most commonly grown dracaena houseplants include
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Dracaena marginata – Features long, strappy leaves on cane-like stems The variety ‘Tricolor’ has vivid pink stripes
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Dracaena fragrans – Sold as corn plants, this variety has solid green or yellow-striped leaves. It can grow quite tall.
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Dracaena sanderiana – Known as lucky bamboo, it has solid green or variegated stems that resemble bamboo.
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Dracaena reflexa – The song of India dracaena has slender, twisting leaves. It’s more compact than other varieties.
These plants are native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. They thrive indoors in average home conditions. With proper care, some dracaena can reach 6 feet or taller when grown as houseplants.
Factors to Consider Before Moving Dracaena Outdoors
While dracaena houseplants are very adaptable, they can only grow successfully outdoors year-round in certain climates. Here are some important factors to consider if you want to transition your indoor dracaena to the garden:
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Hardiness zone – Most dracaena are only cold hardy to USDA zones 10 and 11. Some varieties, like lucky bamboo, are only hardy to zone 11 and cannot tolerate any frost. Determine your zone before planting outdoors.
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Temperatures – Dracaena require warm temperatures between 65-80°F during the day and above 60°F at night. They won’t tolerate frost or freezing winter temperatures found in most zones.
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Sun exposure – Variegated dracaena need partial sun to maintain leaf colors. Too much sun can burn leaves. Green-leafed varieties do best in partial shade or dappled sunlight.
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Soil – Rich, well-draining soil amended with organic matter provides ideal growing conditions for dracaena. Dense clay or very sandy soils often need improvement.
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Size – Consider the mature size of the dracaena variety you want to plant. Some only reach 2-3 feet tall while others grow over 10 feet high.
Transitioning Indoor Dracaena to the Outdoors
If your climate meets the plant’s needs, with care you can transition a houseplant dracaena to the garden successfully. Follow these tips:
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Gradually introduce the plant to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days. Slowly increase time spent outside each day.
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Start by placing the potted dracaena in a shady spot protected from wind and direct sun. This hardens the plant off.
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Monitor soil moisture closely and water whenever the top few inches become dry. Outdoor air pulls more moisture from the soil.
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After 10-14 days, transplant the dracaena into a garden bed amended with compost. Handle the roots gently.
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Water thoroughly after transplanting and as needed until established. Add mulch around the base to conserve moisture.
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Stake taller varieties if needed to provide support in windy conditions.
With a gradual transition time, your former houseplant should shift to growing in the landscape without much stress or leaf drop.
Caring for Outdoor Dracaena Plants
Once established, dracaena require minimal maintenance to look their best outside. Follow these care guidelines:
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Water whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active growing season.
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Prune off any dead, damaged, or yellowed leaves to keep plants looking tidy.
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Remove spent flower spikes and prune leggy growth to shape plants.
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In zones 9 and cooler, bring potted varieties indoors before temps drop below 50°F.
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Mulch around plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Replenish mulch annually.
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Monitor for pests like spider mites, mealybugs or scale. Wipe off with alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
With the right growing conditions, dracaena make stunning additions to outdoor garden beds, patios, poolsides and more. Their eye-catching foliage and sturdy growth habit add drama and texture.
Best Uses for Dracaena in the Landscape
Thanks to their tropical look and varied sizes, dracaena have many uses outdoors. Consider using them in these garden roles:
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As tall accent plants – Place near patios, entries and beds. Corn plant varieties can reach 10 feet.
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For textural contrast – Add spiky, strappy or colorful leaves among rounded shrubs and broad foliage.
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In containers – Use compact varieties in planters and pots on porches, poolsides and patios.
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As mass plantings – Repeat a single variety across a landscape bed for bold impact.
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For privacy – Use taller dracaena as living screens or property dividers in tropical climates.
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In water gardens – Some can grow right in shallow ponds and water features.
Best Varieties for Growing Dracaena Outdoors
While not all dracaena tolerate garden conditions, these varieties grow well outdoors year-round in warm climates:
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Dracaena marginata – Tolerates partial sun. Grows up to 6 feet tall. Easy to find.
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Dracaena reflexa – Handles sun and shade. More compact at 3 feet tall. Interesting twisted leaves.
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Dracaena draco – Hardier large tree-like variety. Can reach 25 feet tall. Slow growing.
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Dracaena goldieana – Striking corn plant with green leaves striped in yellow. Grows 8 feet.
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Dracaena concinna – Thriving in partial sun, it reaches 4 feet tall. Reddish leaves and thin arching stems.
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Dracaena sanderiana – Lucky bamboo grows well in water gardens. Get cold hardy varieties.
Check your specific dracaena variety’s needs before planting outdoors. With the right conditions, these tropical beauties can transform your garden with their bold, architectural forms.
Planting DesignDiscover the right plants for your garden.
Proven Accents® Spikes (Dracaena indivisa). Photo by: Proven Winners
For beginning gardeners, one of the easiest plants to grow is dracaena. This big group of tropical plants can grow indoors even in low light and other tough conditions. They can also be grown outside (some are hardy down to Zone 7). Dracaena grows as a large tree in its native habitat, occurring in shrubby or tree-like forms. The long sword-shaped foliage comes in an array of green, gold, and variegated colors.
Categorization within this genus can be somewhat confusing, with some species overlapping. Dracaena is commonly mistaken for Cordyline, while the popular snake plant Sansevieria was recently reclassified as Dracaena.
On this page:
See more popular indoor plants
Dragon tree, corn plant, cornstalk plant, false palm, ribbon plant, money tree
Native to Africa, southern Asia, northern Australia and South America
USDA zones 9-12, with D. indivisa hardy to USDA Zone 7
Dracaena prefers bright indirect light, but is tolerant of low light conditions.
The smooth, spear-shaped or grass-like leaves can be solid, striped, or speckled, and they come in gold, chartreuse, pink, red, or white.
Clusters of star-shaped flowers in colors of white, pink or yellow appear on slender stems. Most varieties rarely blooms indoors. Dracaena fragrans, which is the most likely species to bloom indoors, bears scented flowers.
Bushy shrub or vertical tree-like form, 6 to 50 feet tall and 3 to 25 feet wide
Dracaena produces saponins, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Dracaena plants are nontoxic to humans.
- Cordyline: This plant is often mistaken for Dracaena because its leaves come in more colors, like pink, coral, and purple. Its roots are white, while dracaena’s are yellow or orange.
- Yucca: Yucca is hardier and more often grown outdoors. The structure of a Dracaena plant is more like a tree, and the leaves are more rigid.
- Cast iron plant leaves are wider and more paddle-shaped than those of Aspidistra.
Song of India (D. reflexa) Photo by: VadimZosimov / Shutterstock
Indoors, place near a window that receives at least 2 to 4 hours of bright indirect light. It’s okay to put plants outside in the summer as long as they don’t get direct sun or deep shade.
Ideal daytime temperature range is 65-78 degrees F, with nighttime temperatures ten degrees cooler. Keep away from heating vents or cold drafts. Temperatures below 50-55 degrees F may harm plants.
Dracaena prefers average air humidity between 40-50%. When it’s dry inside in the winter, mist plants once or twice a week, or put pots on a shallow saucer with pebbles and water.
Use a high-quality, well-drained potting soil that is well-draining. Dracaenas prefer a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0-6.5.
Choose a pot that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the root ball. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes.
DRACAENA CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Keep soil evenly moist and don’t allow soil to dry out. Too much water can cause root rot. Dracaenas are sensitive to tap water that contains fluoride. Water dracaenas with distilled or rainwater.
Dracaenas can get by with little fertilizing. Use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Apply once a month during spring and summer. Cease fertilizing in fall and winter when plant growth slows down.
Dracaenas respond well to pruning. Do this during active growth in spring and summer. Trim off damaged leaves and weak growth. Cut back plants to desired shape and size.
Every spring, add new soil to the top 2 to 3 inches to add nutrients without disturbing the roots. Repot in spring every 2 to 3 years. Use a container 1 to 2 inches larger than the previous pot. Remove plant from pot, brush out old soil and gently tease out roots. Add fresh soil, placing the top of the root ball at the same level and water thoroughly.
Weakened plants may be more susceptible to pests. These can include spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Wipe off affected leaves with a cloth dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol. Treat with insecticidal soap as needed.
5 Quick tips Dracaena
FAQ
Can I put Dracaena outside in summer?
What temperature can Dracaena tolerate?
Is Dracaena a good outdoor plant?
How do you care for a Dracaena plant outside?
Can Dracaena grow outdoors?
Dracaena thrives outdoors in areas that are frost free. Zone 9 can be a little risky in the winter months. If you live somewhere that gets an occasional frost, be prepared to protect your outdoor dracaena plants with some kind of covering. If you do have the right climate for it, dracaena in the landscape can add drama and beauty.
Can Dracaena be killed outside?
One sure way to kill your dracaena is to plant it outdoors in a climate that is too cold. Dracaena is a tropical plant that won’t tolerate frost. If you live in zones 9, 10, or 11 though, go for it. Dracaena thrives outdoors in areas that are frost free. Zone 9 can be a little risky in the winter months.
Can dracaenas survive frost?
Dracaena is a tropical plant that won’t tolerate frost. If you live in zones 9, 10, or 11 though, go for it. Dracaena thrives outdoors in areas that are frost free. Zone 9 can be a little risky in the winter months. If you live somewhere that gets an occasional frost, be prepared to protect your outdoor dracaena plants with some kind of covering.
Should dracaenas be moved outside?
Moving Dracaena houseplants outside can give them a boost by providing more light and humidity than they would receive indoors. Excessive sunlight and cold temperatures can damage Dracaenas, so it is important to carefully choose the location and time of year.
Do dracaenas need to be watered?
When it comes to watering a dracaena, dracaenas do best with moist soil. The plant should only be watered when the top one or two inches of soil is dry. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain (or if your plants are growing inside), this will not require much attention on your part! However, desert areas are very hot and dry.
Do dracaenas need light?
Like most plants, dracaenas need light to survive. The good news is that dracaenas are hardy plants that can survive in dappled light and part shade. Too much light could burn your dracaena. This is good news for people who want to grow their dracaena outside, but cannot provide full sunlight.