How to Grow and Care for Dracaena Bicolor

The Dracaena bicolor, or Bicolor Dragon Tree, is a popular indoor plant known for its striking appearance. Its defining feature is its long, slender, arching leaves with a green center bordered by red or pink edges. Native to tropical regions of Africa, this plant has an upright, cane-like structure that provides a vertical element to indoor spaces. Its hardiness and tolerance for various indoor conditions contribute to its popularity.

Dracaena Bicolor Care

Light

Dracaena bicolor flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing it near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal, as this diffuses direct sunlight. While it can adapt to lower light, its growth may slow and the foliage colors can become less pronounced. Avoid placing the plant in direct, intense sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause brown spots.

Soil

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix to prevent water from pooling at the roots, which can lead to root rot. The soil’s pH should be maintained between 6.0 and 6.5 to prevent the plant from absorbing excess fluoride. Be cautious with potting soils high in perlite, as it can contain fluoride.

Water

Dracaena bicolor is drought-tolerant, so proper watering is a careful balance. The plant should only be watered after the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have become completely dry. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to root rot, so it is better to err on the side of underwatering. When watering, do so thoroughly until water flows from the drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer. Because these plants are sensitive to fluoride, using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is a good practice to prevent brown leaf tips.

Temperature and Humidity

The plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 26°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts from open windows or air conditioning vents. Average household humidity is sufficient, but if your home’s air is particularly dry, you can increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the plant on a pebble tray.

Fertilizer

Dracaena bicolor is not a heavy feeder. During the spring and summer growing seasons, apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant. Feeding once or twice during the growing season is sufficient, and no fertilizer is needed during fall and winter.

Pruning Dracaena Bicolor

Pruning helps maintain the size and appearance of your Dracaena bicolor. Prune to control the plant’s height and to remove any yellowing or dead leaves, which occur at the base as the plant ages. This tidies the plant’s appearance and directs its energy toward new growth.

To prune the plant, use clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife to make a clean cut through the cane at the desired height. New growth will emerge from just below the cut, often resulting in two or more new branches that make the plant appear fuller. The portion of the cane that was removed can also be propagated to create a new plant.

Common Problems

Brown leaf tips are most often caused by water quality. This is a reaction to the fluoride, salts, or other minerals in tap water. Switching to filtered or distilled water can resolve this issue.

Yellowing lower leaves can be a sign of overwatering or a natural part of the plant’s life cycle. If it is due to overwatering, check your schedule and ensure the soil dries between waterings. It is also a natural process for older, lower leaves to yellow and drop off to make way for new growth.

Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. These can be managed by regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap if an infestation occurs.

Dracaena Bicolor Toxicity

Dracaena bicolor is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can cause a toxic reaction in animals. While only moderately toxic, keep the plant out of reach of pets.

Symptoms of ingestion can include vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and depression. In cats, symptoms also include dilated pupils. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian for professional advice.