Dracaena Spike Care

Dracaena spike care

Dracaena, or spike plant, was traditionally considered a houseplant for years. However, it is finding favor in annual container gardens where the spiky upright leaves provide height and textural contrast to bushy and cascading annual flowers.

Do spike plants need sun?

Spike needs well drained soil. It does best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. When Spike is small, it can be used as a thriller. As it grows, it will outshine smaller plants and needs to be moved to the landscape or a larger container.

How much sun does a spike plant need?

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

Can you keep spike plants over winter?

According to Wallish Greenhouses, the best way to overwinter dracaena spikes in colder areas is by moving them indoors. If the dracaena spikes are in planters, this is an easy job, and you will only need distilled water and a watering can.

Where should I put dracaena in my house?

In general, dracaena care is relatively simple. Light: Filtered indoor light (such as through a sheer curtain in front of a sunny window) or a semi-shade spot is an ideal location. Never place a dracaena plant in direct sun, as the rays will scorch its foliage.

How do you care for a spike plant indoors?

Basic Care Instructions

Plant Feed. Fertilize regularly for best display.
Watering. Keep soil evenly moist.
Soil. Fertile, well-drained soil.
Basic Care Summary. Very easy to grow in virtually any location. Best in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep soil moist, watering freely in dry weather.

How long does Spike plant last?

It takes 4 seconds to plant the spike and it will explode after 45 seconds. To fully defuse the spike, it takes 7 seconds. While you're defusing the spike, you'll see a bar that measures your completion progress. In the middle of the bar, you'll see a halfway mark.

Why are the tips of my spike plant turning brown?

Watch the leaf tips If the tips of your dracaena leaves turn brown, it's a sign that you may not be watering your plant enough. If you allow your plant to go dry for a long time, your dracaena reacts, not by wilting, but by tipping you off with brown tips.

How often should you water a dracaena spike plant?

Water your dracaena about once a week or every other week, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. You can also help keep your dracaena hydrated by misting its leaves once or twice a week. Dracaenas can be watered more during the growing season and less during the fall and winter when they are dormant.

What temperature can spike plant tolerate?

Temperature. A comfortable temperature for keeping a room Dracena is not lower than +15 Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and not higher than +28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit).

How tall does a dracaena spike get?

Dracaena or 'Spike' as it is commonly known, adds structure and height with its long, slender, sword-shaped leaves. Spikes are very low maintenance. They do best in full sun to part shade, and will reach a height of 2 to 3 feet tall.

Can spike plants grow in shade?

A Dracaena spike plant is well suited for beginner gardeners because they are relatively easy to care for and take a long time to outgrow their containers. Dracaena spike plants do well in full sun, but will also thrive in shade.

How do you overwinter dracaena spikes indoors?

Bring the container indoors and place it in a warm location that receives indirect sunlight. Throughout the winter, the plant will need only occasional watering when soil becomes dry. Replant into the garden next season when all chance of frost has passed.

How cold is too cold for dracaena?

Temperature. Dracaenas need warmth to grow well. Provide a temperature range of 65 – 75º F. (Exception: Dracaena draco can tolerate a low temperature down to 50° F.)

Can you cut back spike plants?

Thankfully, dracaena responds well to pruning, and it's easy to maintain a manageable size or tidy up the foliage. So whether your dragon tree or spike plant needs just a light trim or major structural reshaping, join us for a look at how to prune dracaena in the home and garden!

Does dracaena need big pots?

It doesn't matter how large the plant is; it will grow in a pot that is 4 inches tall by 4 inches wide. If you don't know how to choose the right pot size, consider the current pot's size. If the current pot of the plant is 10 inches or smaller, you should choose a pot that is at least 1-2 inches larger.

Do you water a dracaena from top or bottom?

BOTTOM WATERING

Fill the plant tray with water.
Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray.
Wait for about 10 minutes.
Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray.
If it's still dry —> add more water to the tray.

When should I repot my dracaena?

Time of year for Dracaena repotting Spring, summer, and into early fall are good times for repotting Dracaenas. If you live in a climate where winter comes early, then spring and summer are best.

Why is my spike plant turning yellow?

Lack of humidity is one of the most common reasons for problems with dracaena. Leaf tips turning brown accompanied by leaf loss and yellowing leaf margins are indicative of low humidity. Placing your plant on top of a dish filled with small stones and water will improve plant humidity.

How do you repot a spike plant?

Repot in spring every 2 to 3 years. Use a container 1 to 2 inches larger than the previous pot. Remove plant from pot, brush out old soil and gently tease out roots. Add fresh soil, placing the top of the root ball at the same level and water thoroughly.