Dracaena Angustifolia Care and Growing Information

Learn everything about Dracaena angustifolia Care and Growing Information, and grace your home with this evergreen beauty.

Dracaena Angustifolia is a popular plant because of its attractive appearance and easy care requirements. This African shrub is known to purify the air by removing toxins and is also considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some cultures.

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Dracaena angustifolia Plant Profile

Dracaena Angustifolia, also known as the “Narrow Leaf Dracaena,” is an evergreen shrub that is native to Africa. The plant has long, narrow, pointed leaves that grow up to 2 feet long and are about an inch wide.

This plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, but it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. It also produces small, white flowers that are arranged in clusters on a long stem called a panicle.

Propagating Dracaena angustifolia

Layering and stem cutting are effective methods of propagating this plant. 

Layering: 

• Start by selecting a healthy stem that is flexible enough to be bent down to the ground.
• Prepare a small hole in the soil next to the stem and bend the stem down so that it rests in the hole.
• Use a small stake to hold the stem in place if necessary.
• Cover the stem with soil and water it thoroughly.
• Over time, the stem will develop roots where it is in contact with the soil.
• Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted into a new pot or directly into the soil.

Stem Cutting:

• Start by selecting a healthy stem and cutting a section that is at least 6 inches long.
• Remove any leaves from the bottom third of the stem.
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots.
• Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
• Water the cutting and keep it in a warm, bright location that receives indirect sunlight.
• In a few weeks, the cutting will develop roots and start to produce new growth.
• Once the cutting has established a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the soil.

Learn How to Grow Dracaena as a Tree Indoors 

Dracaena angustifolia Growing Requirements

Light

Dracaena angustifolia prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions as well. It’s important to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

The best is to expose the plant for 3-4 hours to direct and mild morning sunlight every day for the best growth and color.

Soil

It prefers soil that is slightly acidic, well-draining, and high in organic material. A good soil mixture would be a combination of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part soil or compost.

Watering

This plant requires moderate watering in a way that will allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to avoid waterlogging. Watering should be reduced in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Temperature

Dracaena angustifolia prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It’s important to avoid placing the plant in areas with cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as this can cause leaf drop.

Humidity

It prefers moderate to high humidity levels between 40-60%. If the air is too dry, the tips of the leaves may become brown and crispy.

To increase humidity, you can mist Dracaena angustifolia with room temperature water, place a tray of water near the plant, or use a humidifier.

Dracaena angustifolia Care

Fertilizing

Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertlizer, diluted to 1/2 of its strength, every 3-4 weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant goes into dormancy.

Pruning

Dracaena angustifolia can benefit from occasional pruning to remove old, yellowed leaves and damaged stems.

To prune the plant, use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears. Cut off any yellowed or damaged leaves, as well as any thin or long stems.

Cut the stems back to the desired height, making sure not to cut off more than one-third of the total height. After pruning, mist the plant with water to help promote new growth.

Pests and Diseases

Spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can affect this plant. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to eliminate the pests.

Dracaena Angustifolia can also be susceptible to leaf spots, which can cause brown spots on the foliage. Make sure it gets plenty of bright light and avoid overwatering the plant.