How to Branch a Dracaena

Dracaenas, numerous species within the genus of the same name, are evergreen trees and shrubs enjoyed for their sword-shaped leaves and a variety of different growth habits and leaf characteristics. Many dracaenas, such as the the Madagascar dragon-tree (Dracaena marginata), are tender and survive outdoors only in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11 unless cultivated as houseplants. Some dracaena specimens display a tendency to grow tall and spindly with bare stems as lower, older foliage drops off the plant. A simple pruning method will encourage branching and leaf growth at the desired height.

Household disinfectant
Sharp, clean knife or other cutting tool

Instructions

- 1
  Dip the blade of a sharp knife or other cutting tool in household disinfectant for five minutes, and then rinse it in clear water or let it air dry. Disinfect the cutting tool in this manner between uses, and if you are making cuts into plants that may be diseased, after each cut.
- 2
  Cut through one or two dracaena stems cleanly at the desired height, removing the top portion of each stem, or cane. Two or more branches or leaf clusters will grow out of the cane just below where you made the cut.
- 3
  Water the dracaena deeply and infrequently, supplying it with lukewarm distilled water or rainwater whenever the soil surface around the plant feels dry to the touch. Keep the dracaena in a spot with bright, indirect light and daytime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with nighttime temperatures 10 degrees cooler. Providing the dracaena with excellent care will encourage vigorous new growth.
- 4
  Rotate the container of a trimmed dracaena regularly, once new sprouts begin to emerge below the point at which you trimmed the cane. This will encourage even branching and keep the new sprouts from all leaning in one direction toward the light.

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