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How to Tell if Draceana Plant Needs Watering?

Updated: November 26, 2022

Dracaena is a popular houseplant that is loved for its low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. However, one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for their dracaena is overwatering or underwatering. It is important to know when your dracaena needs watering to ensure it stays healthy and thriving. In this article, we will discuss how to tell if your dracaena plant needs watering.

Understand the Watering Needs of Your Dracaena

Before we dive into the signs of a thirsty dracaena, it’s important to understand the watering needs of your plant. Dracaena plants prefer to be kept on the drier side and do not like to sit in water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and become unhealthy.

The frequency of watering your dracaena depends on various factors such as humidity levels, temperature, and lighting conditions. Generally, dracaenas should be watered once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Signs of an Underwatered Dracaena

  1. Wilting leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your dracaena is thirsty is wilting leaves. The leaves will start to droop and curl inwards, indicating that they are not getting enough moisture.

  2. Dry soil: If you stick your finger into the soil and it feels dry, it’s time to water your dracaena. Dry soil means that the plant has used up all the available water and needs more.

  3. Yellowing leaves: Another sign of an underwatered dracaena is yellowing leaves. When there isn’t enough water to go around, the plant will start to shed its older leaves as a survival mechanism.

  4. Stunted growth: If your dracaena isn’t growing as quickly as it used to, it could be a sign of underwatering. Without enough water, the plant won’t have the resources it needs to grow and thrive.

Signs of an Overwatered Dracaena

  1. Wilting leaves: Wait, didn’t we just say that wilting leaves are a sign of an underwatered dracaena? Yes, but they can also be a sign of overwatering. When the roots are constantly submerged in water, they can become waterlogged and suffocated, leading to wilting leaves.

  2. Mushy stems: An overwatered dracaena will have soft, mushy stems instead of firm and sturdy ones. This is because the excess water has caused the stems to rot.

  3. Foul odor: If you notice a foul odor coming from your dracaena’s pot, it’s likely due to root rot caused by overwatering.

  4. Yellowing leaves: Just like with an underwatered dracaena, yellowing leaves can also be a sign of overwatering. When the roots are constantly wet, they can’t absorb nutrients properly, causing the plant to shed its older leaves.

How to Water Your Dracaena

Now that you know the signs of an underwatered or overwatered dracaena, let’s talk about how to water your plant properly.

  1. Check the soil moisture: Before watering your dracaena, check the moisture level of the soil. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil and if it feels dry, it’s time to water your plant.

  2. Water thoroughly: When watering your dracaena, make sure to water it thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that all the roots get enough moisture.

  3. Don’t let it sit in water: After watering, make sure to empty the saucer underneath the pot to prevent the plant from sitting in water.

  4. Adjust watering frequency: As mentioned earlier, the frequency of watering your dracaena depends on various factors. If you notice that the soil is drying out too quickly or that your plant is wilting, adjust the watering frequency accordingly.

FAQ

  1. How often should I water my dracaena?

Dracaenas should be watered once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).

  1. Can I mist my dracaena instead of watering it?

While misting can help increase humidity levels around your dracaena, it’s not a substitute for watering. Dracaenas still need to be watered thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

  1. Can I use tap water to water my dracaena?

Yes, you can use tap water to water your dracaena. However, if your tap water is high in minerals or chlorine, it’s best to let it sit out for a day or two before using it to water your plant.

  1. What should I do if I’ve overwatered my dracaena?

If you’ve overwatered your dracaena, remove it from its pot and inspect the roots for signs of rot. Trim away any mushy or blackened roots and repot your plant in fresh soil. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again.

  1. How do I know if my dracaena needs to be repotted?

If your dracaena has outgrown its current pot or if you notice that the soil is drying out too quickly, it may be time to repot your plant. Look for roots growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot or signs of overcrowding to determine if your dracaena needs repotting.