Eventually, a plant may become too tall and leggy for the space or lose so many leaves that its time to cut it back. New growth will appear on the old stem from the nodes, so trim the remaining canes down to just above the nodes for the tidiest appearance.

You may choose to start fresh instead with the piece you cut off rather than re-growing the root stock. The best time to do your propagating is in the spring when the plant is in an early growth cycle (though late summer will work too). You can cut off the crown where it is relatively green and young in a 3 to 6 inch length. Cut off all but a few leaves and dip the bottom 2 inches in rooting hormone. Place in a 3 inch pot of slightly moistened rooting mixture with equal parts sand or perlite and peat moss. Enclose the cutting in a plastic bag and keep it warm. (If you can provide gentle heat from underneath with a propagating mat or tray, that is ideal). It should be in part shade until roots form (4 to 6 weeks), at which point take it out of the bag, away from the warm spot and water moderately, allowing just the surface to dry before watering again. Feed every two weeks.

It is also possible to root portions of the long stem if they have a growth bud, but they root less reliably. Don’t forget to make sure cuttings are placed the right end up—i.e., the way the stem originally grew. 

Then make sure that your plants get the best care! Dracaena (agave family) needs to be near your window. For upright growth, dracaena likes bright light without direct sun.

This palm-like plant is usually repotted with fresh potting mixture each spring into the next size pot, until the maximum convenient pot size (8-10 inches) is reached. If you don't want to remove your plant from its container, you can remove a couple of inches of old soil and replace with fresh soil.

Your plant will also appreciate some fertilizer every two weeks during its active growth period. Standard liquid fertilizer is fine.

Water during active growth (spring/summer) plentifully, as often as necessary to keep the mix thoroughly moist (water all the way through). Toss excess water. Water less often in winter, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings.

For additional information on care, please see our Guide to Dracaena.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service