How to Propagate Dracaena Plants | 4 Propagation Methods

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Dracaena Plants are easily propagated at the beginning of the growing season by air layering, from the top crown of leaves or from stem cuttings which can be rooted in water or in soil.

First, let us get some facts about Dracaena plants. Dracaena Plants can be divided into two groups; treelike Dracaenas with a leafless woody trunk on top of which is a crown of leaves and the rhizomatous Dracaenas which have underground rhizomes and leaves above the ground.

There are about 120 species in the Dracaena genus. Recently, the hardy, Snake Plants (Sansevieria) have been added to the Dracaena group.

Dracaena draco

Most Dracaeana species are native to Africa, southern Asia through to northern Australia, with two species in tropical Central America. The name dracaena is derived from Ancient Greek drakaina, 'female dragon'.

Dracaeana plants are also known for their indoor air cleaning properties. as indicated by the NASA Clean Air Study, Dracaeana were found to get rid of xylene, toulene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloethylene from indoor air.

The Dracaeana Plants are popular indoor plants on account of their spectacular foliage and ease of care. They flourish in bright, indirect light (filtered light), average warmth, moderate room humidity and moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

One disadvantage of Dracaeana Plants is that they are toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. The leaves contain alkyds which if ingested may cause vomiting and excessive salivation.

Related: 8 types of Dracaena Plants Varieties with pictures and care guides.

We have below outlined 4 ways by which you can increase your Dracaena plants. Keep reading for more on these 4 propagation methods.

Dracaena fragrans

1. How to propagate Dracaena Plant from stem cuttings in water

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


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


3. Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.


4. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into small pots (6-8 inches wide) in moist, well-drained, rooting soil.


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


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.


7. Transfer the new Dracaeana into a pot 1 size larger than the current one while ensuring that the soil is well-drained. At this point you can begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Dracaena from stem cuttings in soil

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


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


3. Select a rooting container and ensure that there is adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


4. Fill the container with loose potting mix and make a hole in the center.


5. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the Dracaena stem cutting.


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


7. Water the soil thoroughly and cover the set up with clear polythene sheet to create a greenhouse effect to hasten rooting.


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


9. Maintain the soil moist until rooting occurs; rooting will occur in about 3-6 weeks. When you observe new growth, the new Dracaena can be transplanted to its own pot after which you can begin routine care.

Dracaena godseffiana

3. How to propagate Dracaena from the top crown of leaves

1. Cut the top crown of leaves from Dracaena Plant bearing about 4-6 in. of the stem.


2. Reduce the leaves to about a third long to minimize water loss. The leaves are necessary for photosynthesis to hasten rooting.


3. Apply a rooting hormone on the lower cut end of the stem of the Dracaena Plant to hasten rooting.


4. Select a rooting container and ensure that it has adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


5. Fill the container with a potting mix and make a hole in the center. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the Dracaena stem.


6. Insert about 2-3 in. of the cut end (stem) of Dracaena Plant crown of leaves 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. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place. Adequate light and warmth are necessary for faster rooting.


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


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

Dracaena deremensis

4. How to Propagate Dracaena by air layering

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


2. Surround the notched area with damp moss and then 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 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. Carefully remove the polythene and get ready to pot the rooted stem of the Dracaena Plant.


7. Select a 6 or 8 inch pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting.


8. Fill the pot with quality 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 rooted cutting.


9. Position the rooted Dracaena 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 well-lit, warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

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