Dracaena Repotting: Pot Size, Drainage & Watering

Jenny wants to move a 50-inch dracaena from an 11-inch plastic pot to a 22-inch tall, 11-inch wide ceramic pot (tapers to 7 inches). Plant is 1 week old, happy in indirect light near patio door. Currently gets 1 cup city water daily.

Critical Errors to Avoid

• Pot too tall/narrow: New pot same diameter but 2x tall—no benefit, drainage risk.
• No drain hole/tray: Must have both, or keep plant in plastic pot inside ceramic cachepot.
• Overpotting: Never exceed 20% diameter increase (max 13 inches for current 11-inch pot). Larger pots cause root rot.
• Daily watering: Wrong. Water thoroughly, empty tray, wait until soil dry ≥3 days.

Correct Mix & Routine

2 parts potting soil + 1 part perlite. Water until all soil moist, drain tray emptied, then wait for dryness. In bigger pot, water volume increases but frequency decreases.

Stick to the 2-inch diameter rule and the plant will thrive.