Dracaena marginata Care: Light, Water, and Pot Size

A 3–4 foot Dracaena marginata in a kitchen with only artificial light is losing leaves, not replacing them, and drooping.

Key Points

• Light: Needs bright indirect + some direct sun. Fluorescent = ok. Incandescent = inadequate. Move to a window if light is incandescent.
• Pot size: Don’t repot, especially larger. Marginatas hate repotting.
• Water: Wait until top ¼ of soil dry, then water thoroughly to drainage. Frequency varies with light/temp/humidity.

Diagnosis

Low light (if incandescent) + possible overpotting = decline. Move to fluorescent or window, check pot size, water correctly.