Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?

This is often caused by tap water chemicals like fluoride or low humidity.

How often should I water it?

Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Plant guide

Dragon tree.

Dracaena

Pronounced druh-SEE-nuh

Also known as Dracaena, Dragon Trees

Dracaena fragrans — Photo by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb (CC BY) via iNaturalist

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 light
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, but occasionally in late winter or spring.

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 indoors.
Fragrance: Light
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 during the active season.

Safety

People: The leaves contain saponins which are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
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: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant risk of respiratory allergy from this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not for consumption and can cause significant digestive distress if eaten.

How to identify it

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

Height: 0.6 to 2.5m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: green, yellow, red, evergreen
Flowers: white, cream, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: orange, red, Rarely produced indoors

Problems to watch for

Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Fungus GnatsUncommon
Leaf DropUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
ThripsUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Reduce watering during the cooler months as growth slows down.
In containers: They grow very well in containers and prefer to be slightly root bound.

Stem Cuttings

1. Cut a healthy stem section about 10 to 15 centimeters long.
2. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in a jar of water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Pothos — Both thrive in indoor environments with indirect light.

Similar species

Yucca — They have a similar structural appearance but prefer more light.
Corn Plant — It is a close relative with broader, more strap like leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Tropical Africa, Asia, and parts of Northern Australia.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

These plants grow as understory shrubs in tropical forests where they rely on filtered light.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: moths
Uses: indoor ornamental, air purification, office plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the tips of my leaves turning brown?: This is often caused by tap water chemicals like fluoride or low humidity.
How often should I water it?: Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out completely before watering again.

Where the name comes from

The name refers to the red resin produced by some species, which was historically called dragon's blood.

Good to know

The name comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon.
They are incredibly resilient and tolerate low light conditions well.
Some species can live for decades if cared for properly.

Also in

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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.