gold-dust dracaena

It is best to water the gold-dust dracaena (Dracaena surculosa) thoroughly, allowing the soil to become slightly moist. Then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Depending on the season and the humidity levels, this may be once a week or once every other week. During winter, when there is less light, it is possible to go longer between watering. During the summer months, when there is more light and higher temperatures, it may be necessary to water as often as twice per week. It’s important to monitor the soil to make sure it remains moist. Over-watering your gold-dust dracaena can cause root rot, so make sure you do not water more than necessary.

Gold-dust dracaena plants need indirect sunlight for about 5-6 hours per day, so a spot directly next to a window or in an east- or west-facing room is ideal. The sun should hit the leaves directly for the first few hours of the day, but the light should be filtered, either through a sheer curtain or by placing the plant a few feet away from the window. Too little light will lead to stunted growth, and too much light can cause leaf burn. Make sure to keep the temperature consistent in the room, as well - direct sunlight can heat up the leaves and soil quickly, so this species can only tolerate mild or filtered sun.

Gold-dust Dracaena (Dracaena surculosa) should be pruned in the spring or summer, usually when you see new growth starting at the top. Pruning can be done as much as needed for shaping and size control. Start by removing any dead, damaged, crossing, or weak branches. Then thin out the top slightly to remove any competing leaders, and any excess crowding that may be occurring. Be careful not to prune too much, as this will cause the leaves to decrease in size and the overall shape of the plant will not have the desired look. Additionally, always cut back the foliage to a healthy set of leaves while leaving some new growth.