How to Propagate Dracaena? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

How to propagate dracaena? After the dragon tree was introduced to China, apart from a few tropical regions where seeds are produced, other regions mainly use air layering and cuttings for asexual propagation.

1. Cutting propagation

Dracaena can also be propagated asexually by cuttings, from May to June; this is precisely the period of vigorous growth for the dragon tree, when the plant is rich in nutrients and cuttings root very easily; before taking cuttings, select a mother plant with high ornamental value, take vigorous branches that have grown for more than two years, each segment about 10-20 cm long, with or without leaves;

2. Layering propagation

The stems of the dragon tree propagated by layering mostly grow upright and produce few branches. After the plant has grown for several years, the leaves at the base fall off and it naturally loses its ornamental value. In view of this, growers can carry out air layering during the hot, humid season from May to July.

The method is: at a suitable spot on the plant stem, make a ring cut, with a ring width of 1.8-2.2 cm, deep to the xylem, and use a small knife to peel away the bark at the ring; wipe away the sap oozing from the cut with a clean wet cloth, and apply a 5000-1000ppm aqueous solution of naphthaleneacetic acid to the bark at the upper end of the cut.

Dracaena cultivation methods and precautions:

Light: when grown at home, place it on a balcony or windowsill, with sufficient sunlight, and shade it in summer. Water: usually water once every 3-5 days, spray with water during high temperatures, and control water in winter. Temperature: give it a growing environment of 20-28°C; when it is above 32°C or below 15°C, take measures to keep it warm or cool it down. In addition, once October arrives, move it indoors promptly.