Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?

This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in your tap water.

How often should I water it?

Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again.

Plant guide

Dracaena.

Dracaena L.

Pronounced druh-SEE-nuh

Dracaenas are popular, architectural houseplants known for their striking foliage and ease of care. They add a tropical feel to any room while tolerating a variety of indoor conditions. These plants are excellent for beginners looking for a low maintenance companion.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Bright indirect to medium light.
Indoor light: medium
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 150 to 300 cm tall.
Growth rate: slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely indoors, occasionally in summer.

Care

Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Keep an eye out for brown leaf tips, which often signal low humidity or tap water sensitivity. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them dust free and healthy.

Watering: Water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or the soil breaks down.
Soil: Well draining peat based potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing despite good light and care.

Safety

People: The leaves contain saponins which can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain if eaten.
Pets: These plants are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children to prevent accidental ingestion of the leaves.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the sap if they have sensitive skin.
Airborne allergens: It is not typically known to cause respiratory issues for most people.
Edibility: This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep it away from curious mouths.

How to identify it

long, sword shaped leaves
woody, cane like stems
often variegated foliage patterns
rosette growth habit

Height: 0.6 to 3m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: green, yellow, red, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Spider mites — These tiny pests create fine webbing and cause yellowing leaves.
Root rot — Overwatering leads to mushy, dark roots and wilting foliage.
Fluoride toxicity — Brown leaf tips often appear due to sensitivity to fluoride in tap water.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during the winter months. Reduce watering frequency as growth slows down in lower light.
In containers: They thrive in containers and prefer a snug fit, so do not overpot them.

Stem Cuttings

Cut a healthy stem section that is 4 to 6 inches long.
Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Place the cutting in a jar of water or moist potting mix.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.
Transplant into a permanent pot once roots are an inch long.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make your routine easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and moisture requirements for easy care.
Pothos — Their trailing habit contrasts beautifully with the upright Dracaena.

Keep away from

Succulents — They require much more direct sun and less water than a Dracaena.

Similar species

Corn Plant — It has a similar growth habit but features broader, corn like leaves.
Lucky Bamboo — It is a close relative that can grow in water alone.

Science

Native range: Tropical Africa, Asia, and parts of northern Australia.
Conservation: Most species are common in cultivation and not currently under threat in the wild.

They grow as understory plants in tropical forests, adapted to filtered light and warm temperatures.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Office greenery

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Questions people ask

Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?: This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in your tap water.
How often should I water it?: Wait until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry before watering again.

Where the name comes from

The name refers to the red resin found in some species, which was historically called dragon's blood. It was formally classified by Linnaeus.

Good to know

The name comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon.
They are incredibly resilient and can tolerate lower light conditions.
Some species can grow into large, tree like structures in their native habitats.

Is your dracaena looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.