Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

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

How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf color.

Plant guide

Song of India.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

Pronounced druh-SEE-nuh ree-FLEX-uh

Also known as Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, Madagascar Dragon-tree, Song of India, money tree

Song of India — Photo by Helio Lourencini (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This elegant plant features slender, arching leaves that create a beautiful, tropical look in your home. It is a slow grower that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. You will love how its graceful form softens sharp corners.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical shrub
Light: Bright, filtered light is best for keeping the colors vibrant.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet indoors
Growth rate: Slow
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors, but occasionally in late winter.

Care

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch 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 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems in spring to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot only when the roots become crowded.
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, can live for many decades with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: The leaves contain saponins which are toxic to humans and pets if chewed or swallowed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children as the leaves are a choking hazard and toxic if ingested.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no notable respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not edible and can cause significant digestive distress if ingested.

How to identify it

Narrow, grass-like green leaves
Creamy yellow leaf margins
Woody, cane-like stems
Leaves spiral around the stem

Height: 0.9 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.5m
Leaves: dark green, light green, evergreen
Flowers: white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: orange, red, Rarely fruits indoors.

Problems to watch for

Spider mites · Tiny pests that cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing.
Root rot · Caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant away from cold drafts and reduce watering during the winter months. Keep it in a warm room with consistent temperatures.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 25 centimeters wide.

Stem Cuttings

1. Cut a 10 to 15 centimeter stem tip.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
4. Keep in warm, bright 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 · They thrive in the same indoor conditions.

Similar species

Dragon Tree · It is a close relative with thinner, more upright leaves.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Dracaena
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, it grows as an understory shrub in tropical forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
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: 5/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?: This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water.
How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant leaf color.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon, referring to the red resin of some species. The species name reflexa describes the downward curve of the foliage.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the Song of India plant.
The name reflexa refers to the way the leaves bend backward.
It grows very slowly, making it a perfect long term houseplant.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on November 8, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.