Propagating Dracaena from a Broken Top and Managing the Mother Plant's New Growth

Turning a Broken Dracaena into Two Plants

The top (1‑2 ft trunk with crown) can be rooted; the mother's side shoot becomes the new leader.

Rooting the Top

1. Strip all but the top crown of leaves.
2. Cut the base at a 45° angle.
3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional but speeds rooting).
4. Insert into moist vermiculite in a pot.
5. Keep vermiculite damp, pot in shade, mist crown daily.

Mother Plant

Trim the broken trunk back to the side shoot. That shoot will dominate and form a new canopy.