How to Propagate Dracaena deremensis by 4 Easy Propagation Methods


Dracaena deremensis is propagated at the beginning of the growing season (spring) by air layering, from the top crown of leaves or from stem cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil.

The Dracaena deremensis is a slow-growing, stunning plant which bears dark-green foliage with one or more longitudinal stripes in a different color.

Dracaeana deremensis is an easy-care plant which thrives in bright indirect light (filtered light), average warmth of 18-270C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. Learn how to grow and care for Dracaeana deremensis.

Dracaeana deremensis is easily propagated in 4 easy ways. We have herebelow outlined these propagation methods. Keep reading for more on how to increase your Dracaeana deremensis stock.

Dracaena deremensis

1. Dracaena deremensis propagation from stem cuttings in soil

  1. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from a healthy, mature plant and ensure each cutting has some leaf nodes as this is where new growth will emerge from.

  2. Dip the lower cut-end of the stem cuttings in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.

  3. Select a rooting container and make sure it has adequate drainage to prevent rotting.

  4. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the cutting.

  5. Insert about 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base while taking care not to bury it too deep.

  6. Wet the soil thoroughly and cover the set up with clear polythene sheet or plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect to promote rooting.

  7. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place; adequate light and warmth are necessary for faster rooting.

  8. Maintain the soil moist until rooting occurs; rooting will occur in about 3-6 weeks.

  9. When you observe new growth, transplant the new plant into its own pot after which you can begin routine care.

2. Dracaena deremensis propagation from stem cuttings in water

  1. Take 4-6 inches long stem cuttings from a healthy, mature plant. Ensure each cutting has some leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.

  2. Dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.

  3. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station.

  4. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.

  5. When the roots are about 2-4 inches long, transfer the cuttings into small pots (6-8 inches wide) in moist, well-drained soil.

  6. Place the set up in a warm (21-270C), well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.

  7. Keep the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.

  8. Transfer the new plant into a pot 1 size larger than the current one in well-drained soil after which you can begin routine care.

Dracaena deremensis

3. Dracaena deremensis propagation from the top crown of leaves

  1. Cut the top crown of leaves bearing about 4-6 inches of the stem from a healthy plant.

  2. Reduce the leaves to a third to minimize water loss; the leaves are needed for photosynthesis to hasten rooting.

  3. Apply a rooting hormone on the lower cut end of the stem to encourage rooting.

  4. Select a rooting container with enough drainage to avoid rotting.

  5. Fill the container with a well-draining soil and make a hole in the center. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem.

  6. Insert about 2-3 inches of the stem in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base of the stem while taking care not to bury it too deep.

  7. Thoroughly wet the soil and place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place as enough light and warmth are necessary for rooting.

  8. Keep the soil moist until rooting occurs; rooting will occur in about 3-6 weeks.

  9. Once you observe new growth, transplant the new plant into its own pot after which you can begin routine care.
Dracaena deremensis

4. Dracaena deremensis propagation by air layering

  1. Make a notch on the stem of a healthy, mature plant and coat the notch with a rooting hormone to encourage rooting.

  2. Surround the notched area with damp moss and cover it with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.

  3. Maintain the moss moist through out and allow some time for roots to develop in the notched area.

  4. After the roots have formed and are about 2 inches long, the stem is now ready to be seperated from the mother plant.

  5. Sever the stem just below the covered part with a sharp cutting tool like a sterlized knife or a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors. New shoots will sprout from the shortened stem of the mother plant.

  6. Gently remove the polythene film or plastic wrap and get ready to pot the rooted stem.

  7. Select a 6 or 8 inches pot that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.

  8. Fill the pot with well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center of the pot. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the cutting.

  9. Position the rooted cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base of the stem while taking care not to bury it too deep.

  10. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a warm, well-lit place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

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