Fluoride and salts in tap water, or low humidity. Use filtered or distilled water, flush the soil occasionally, and raise humidity slightly.

Overwatering or soggy soil. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage.

Brown crispy patches mid-leaf

Too much direct sun. Move out of direct light into bright or medium indirect light.

Yellow lower leaves dropping

Natural aging, or underwatering. Some lower leaf loss is normal. Keep watering consistent and trim spent leaves.

Houseplants

An easygoing upright dracaena with arching, corn-like leaves on woody canes. Tolerant of low light and neglect.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Low light

Where to put it

Medium to low indirect light works well; it tolerates dim spots a few feet from a window. Keep out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

Watering

Every 1–2 weeks, less in winter. It prefers to dry out a bit and dislikes soggy soil.

Soil mix

Standard well-draining potting mix with some perlite.

Pot

Any pot with a drainage hole.

Repotting

Every 2–3 years, or when roots fill the pot. Repot in spring.

Propagation

Cut a cane section with at least one node and root in water or moist soil; the parent cane will resprout below the cut.

Pets

Toxic to pets if eaten.

Brown leaf tips. Fluoride and salts in tap water, or low humidity. Use filtered or distilled water, flush the soil occasionally, and raise humidity slightly.
Yellowing leaves. Overwatering or soggy soil. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage.
Brown crispy patches mid-leaf. Too much direct sun. Move out of direct light into bright or medium indirect light.
Yellow lower leaves dropping. Natural aging, or underwatering. Some lower leaf loss is normal. Keep watering consistent and trim spent leaves.