How to Grow Dracaena in Water is an easy and clean way to enjoy a beautiful indoor plant. With the right cutting, clean water, and indirect sunlight, you can grow this popular plant without soil. I’ve grown Dracaena in water at home and in this post, I’ll share my step-by-step guide with real experience tips to help you succeed.
I’ve been growing Dracaena plants for many years now. As a gardening lover from a farmer family, I enjoy experimenting with water propagation. Dracaena is one of the easiest plants I’ve grown in water. In this post, I’ll share everything from choosing the right cutting to caring for the plant—step by step, based on my real experience.
IN THIS ARTICLE
About Dracaena Plant and Its Types
Dracaena is a low-maintenance houseplant known for its long green leaves, strong stems, and air-purifying qualities. It’s a favorite choice for indoor decor in homes and offices. Many people don’t know that several types of Dracaena can grow well in water.
Common Dracaena types that grow in water:
- Dracaena marginata (Dragon Tree) – long, thin, spiky leaves
- Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant) – broad leaves, slower growing
- Dracaena reflexa (Song of India) – yellow-green leaves
- Dracaena sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo) – best known for growing in water
Quick Care Tips to Grow Dracaena in Water
Here are a few quick things to remember:
- Use distilled or filtered water
- Keep the jar clean and change water weekly
- Place in indirect sunlight
- Never let leaves touch the water
- Use transparent containers to monitor root growth
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow Dracaena in Water
Growing Dracaena in water is easy if you follow these simple steps. You don’t need much- just a cutting, a clean jar, and regular care.
1. Select a Healthy Cutting
Take a fresh stem cutting from a healthy Dracaena plant. The cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches long and must have at least one node (the small bump where new roots grow).
Tip: Remove the lower leaves so they don’t touch the water. Only the stem should be submerged.
2. Prepare the Water
Fill a clean glass jar or vase with filtered or distilled water. Tap water often contains chlorine, which can harm roots. If you use tap water, let it sit uncovered for 24 hours before using.
3. Place the Cutting in the Jar
Insert the stem into the water, making sure the node is below the waterline. Keep the leaves above water to avoid rot. You can use a support stick or clip to keep the plant upright.
Optional: Dip the stem in rooting hormone powder before placing it in water. It helps roots grow faster, but I usually skip it and still get great results.
4. Find the Perfect Spot
Keep the jar in a spot where it gets bright but indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun will cause algae to grow in the water and can burn the leaves. A windowsill with filtered light is ideal.
5. Weekly Maintenance
- Change the water every 7–10 days to avoid bacteria
- Rinse the jar and stem while changing water
- Top off water when it gets low
- Trim off any dead or mushy roots
Fertilizing Dracaena in Water
You don’t need to fertilize often. Every 4–6 weeks, add a drop or two of liquid houseplant fertilizer to the water. Make sure to use a very weak solution (¼ strength) to avoid root burn. Personally, I fertilize once a month, and the plant stays healthy and green.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
My Experience Growing Dracaena in Water
I first tried growing Dracaena in water about two years ago. I had a broken piece from my Dracaena marginata plant and instead of throwing it away, I placed it in a glass bottle on my kitchen shelf. After about 10–12 days, tiny roots began to appear. It felt amazing!
Since then, I’ve grown 6 more Dracaena plants in water—all from cuttings. I keep them in different rooms in my house. The best part? No mess, no soil, and they’re easy to move around. Changing water every Sunday has become a peaceful gardening ritual for me.
Can All Dracaena Live in Water Forever?
Most Dracaena types can live in water for a long time if you change the water and provide proper light. Lucky Bamboo is especially suited for this. Some thicker-stemmed varieties may grow slower, but they still survive well. If the plant starts growing too big, you can either trim it or plant it in soil later.
FAQs About Growing Dracaena in Water
What type of water is best for Dracaena?
Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. If you use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine, which can damage roots.
Can I grow Dracaena from a cutting in water?
Absolutely Take a healthy cutting with at least one node, place it in water, and roots should start growing within 1–2 weeks.
Why are my Dracaena leaves turning yellow in water?
Yellowing leaves may be caused by dirty water, too much sunlight, or underwatering. Change the water, move the plant to a bright spot with indirect light, and trim damaged leaves.
Conclusion
Dracaena in water is perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers. It’s a beautiful, low-maintenance plant that adds life to your space without the hassle of soil. From my own experience, I can say it’s one of the most satisfying plants to grow indoors.
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