Dracaena Marginata Too Tall? Cut Back & Root the Top for a New Plant

A 3-trunk Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) has hit the ceiling. The middle trunk is 8 feet tall with browning leaves. The owner is confused about "pruning back" since there are no branches—just bare canes with tufts of leaves.

Dracaena Growth Habit

Dracaenas are single-stemmed (or multi-stemmed) canes. They don't branch naturally. To reduce height, you must cut the cane.

Cut & Restart Method

1. Cut the tall cane 2 feet below the lowest leaf tuft.
2. Stick the cut top section into the same pot, next to the base.
3. It will root and become a new, shorter plant.
4. The bare cane may resprout from the cut; if not, cut it to soil level.

Result

You'll end up with a fuller, shorter plant. The rooted top becomes the new centerpiece. Dracaenas are extremely tolerant of this treatment—it's standard practice for leggy specimens.