Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena fragrans
Broad, arching, corn-stalk-like leaves on a plant built for offices and low-light corners - one of the most forgiving houseplants you can own.
Photo: feey / Unsplash What this plant actually wants.
Best window: A few metres back from any window, or a north-facing spot.
This is the general recommendation. When you map your actual windows in Planterra, the app compares each one against this plant's lux range and tells you which of your specific spots are best - accounting for depth from the glass, obstructions, and how the light shifts by season.
What usually goes wrong.
Brown, crispy leaf tips
Usually fluoride or chlorine sensitivity from tap water, sometimes combined with low humidity. Switch to filtered or rain water and trim damaged tips - new growth should come in cleaner.
Yellow, soft lower leaves
Overwatering. Let the top half of the soil dry out before watering again - this plant's thick stem stores water and rarely needs frequent top-ups.
Pale, washed-out new leaves
Too much direct sun. Despite tolerating low light well, Dracaena fragrans can scorch in harsh direct sun - move it back from unfiltered south or west windows.
Leggy stem with sparse leaves
Normal growth habit over time as it develops its tree-like form - if it bothers you, top-cutting encourages bushier regrowth from the cut point.
Seeing yellow leaves specifically? Read the full yellow leaves diagnostic guide for how to tell the causes apart.
Dracaena fragrans is one of the plants I worry about least - most of what people flag as a problem is brown tips from tap water, which is cosmetic, not dangerous. I always ask about water source before anything else with this one.
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