Bringing Dracaena marginata Indoors: Pest Prevention and Pruning

Zone 6 Dracaena marginata Winter Transition: Debug and Prune

6-year Dracaena with basal "babies" (offsets), history of whitefly: horticultural oil debug, then prune and repot.

Pre-Entry Debug Protocol

1. Spray with horticultural oil (Ultra-Fine, Organocide) per label
2. Next day: strong hose spray to remove dead insects + oil residue
3. Bring indoors
4. Mist daily indoors (spider mite/whitefly prevention)

Pruning and Propagation

• Cut tall stems back to just above offsets
• Root cut tops in moist mix (easy, 3–4 weeks)
• Repot offsets if desired
• Parent stump will resprout multiple heads

Indoor Care

• Bright indirect light
• Water when top 1–2" dry
• Monthly misting/shower for dust/mites