Troubleshooting
Dracaena problems — and how to fix them
Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans / marginata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown leaf tips
Fluoride or chlorine in tap water — switch to rain or filtered.
Full dracaena brown leaf tips diagnosis →Yellow lower leaves
Overwatering or natural turnover of old foliage.
Full dracaena yellow lower leaves diagnosis →Slow growth
Light too low or seasonal dormancy.
Full dracaena slow growth diagnosis →Leaning trunk
Rotate the pot quarterly so the plant grows evenly.
Prevent dracaena problems before they start
Most dracaena issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dracaena varieties: common problems
- Dragon tree
- Corn plant
- Dracaena Deremensis Warneckii
- Dracaena Deremensis Janet Craig
- Dracaena Goldieana
- Dracaena Draco
- Dracaena Reflexa
- Dracaena Sanderiana Variegata
- Dracaena Compacta
- Dracaena Deremensis Dorado
- Dracaena Surculosa Florida Beauty
- Dracaena Braunii
…and 19 more varieties.
Looking for dracaena in general rather than its problems? Read the full dracaena care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dracaena problems — FAQ
Why is my dracaena brown leaf tips?
Fluoride or chlorine in tap water — switch to rain or filtered.
Why is my dracaena yellow lower leaves?
Overwatering or natural turnover of old foliage.
Why is my dracaena slow growth?
Light too low or seasonal dormancy.
Why is my dracaena leaning trunk?
Rotate the pot quarterly so the plant grows evenly.