How to Grow and Care for Dracaena Lisa

The Dracaena ‘Lisa’ is a popular houseplant, recognized for its elegant, cane-like stems and deep green, glossy foliage. Its upright, narrow growth habit and reputation for being low-maintenance make it a stylish addition to homes and offices. The plant’s arching leaves create a lush, tropical feel in indoor spaces.

Dracaena Lisa Care

Light

Dracaena Lisa thrives in medium to low indirect sunlight, making it adaptable to various indoor settings. An ideal location is near a north or east-facing window or a few feet from a brighter south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown patches. While the plant can tolerate low-light conditions, its growth may slow.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent water from pooling around the roots. Most commercial houseplant soils containing peat, pine bark, and perlite or pumice are suitable, as this mixture provides a balance of moisture retention and aeration. The soil should be slightly acidic, and the pot must have good drainage.

Water

This plant is sensitive to overwatering, so allow the top 50-75% of the soil to dry out completely before watering. Dracaenas are also sensitive to fluoride and other salts in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. To avoid this, using filtered, distilled, or rainwater is recommended. If you must use tap water, let it sit out overnight to allow some chlorine to evaporate.

Temperature and Humidity

Dracaena Lisa prefers household temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be protected from sudden temperature drops and cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents. While adaptable to average indoor humidity, it will appreciate a boost during dry winter months. Occasional misting or placing the plant near a humidifier can help keep its foliage looking its best.

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly to support growth. During the active growing season of spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice. The fertilizer should be diluted to half its recommended strength to avoid overwhelming the plant. Suspend fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Pruning and Repotting

Pruning is done to manage height or to remove any yellow or brown leaves. When controlling its size, cut the cane at any desired height using clean, sharp shears. Making the cut at a 45-degree angle can help reduce the risk of infection. New growth will sprout from the nodes just below the cut, resulting in a bushier appearance.

Repotting is needed every two to three years or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes. Select a new container that is one to two pot sizes larger than the current one. Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. The best time for repotting is during the spring and summer active growth phase.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves on a Dracaena Lisa are most often a symptom of overwatering. If you notice yellow leaves, check the soil’s moisture level. If the soil is soggy, allow it to dry out more thoroughly between waterings to prevent root rot. Yellowing of lower leaves can also be a natural part of the aging process.

The development of brown, crispy leaf tips is another frequent issue. This is commonly caused by the quality of the water, specifically its fluoride and salt content, as mentioned in the watering section. Inconsistent watering or low humidity can also contribute to brown tips.

Dracaena Lisa can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny and may create fine webbing on the plant, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. If pests are present, treat them by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or by applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Drooping leaves can be a confusing signal, as it can indicate both overwatering and underwatering. An overwatered plant may have rotting roots that are unable to absorb water, leading to wilting. Conversely, a plant that is too dry will also droop. The best way to diagnose the cause is to feel the soil to determine if it is overly wet or bone dry.

Dracaena Lisa Toxicity

Pet owners should know that Dracaena Lisa is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains chemical compounds called saponins, which are responsible for its toxicity. To ensure pet safety, place the plant out of their reach. If a pet consumes parts of the plant, it can lead to symptoms including:

• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Drooling
• Loss of appetite
• Depression

In cats, dilated pupils may also be observed.