Meet the Expert
Alexandra Joneshas been an avid gardener for 13 years.
She earned her Penn State Master Gardener certification in 2019.
Too Much Sunlight
Dracaenas grow best with bright, indirect light.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Consider using a sheer curtain to filter sunlight in very bright, sunny rooms.
Keep plants away from cold, drafty windows and doors or air conditioning vents.
Underwatering
Drought conditions can cause dracaena leaves to turn brown, wilted, and crispy.
Buildup of Salts
Dracaena plants can besensitive to tap wateradditives like fluoride.
Salts can also build up in the soil over time as you fertilize your plant.
These issues can cause brown tips, margins, or spots on dracaena plant leaves.
Symptoms include dry, brown or tan patches surrounded by yellow areas.
In severe cases, the issue can progress into stem rot.
To prevent this, water the soil directly rather than getting your dracaena’s foliage wet.
Treat infections with an organic fungicide.
One or two brown leaves on an otherwise healthy plant is nothing to worry about.
Should You Cut Off Brown Dracaena Leaves?
Regardless of the cause, it’s a good idea to trim away dracaena leaves that have turned brown.
Doing this allows your plant to devote its energy to healthy foliage and helps to promote regrowth.
Your plant will also look healthier and more attractive after you’ve removed damaged, brown leaves.
However, if you don’t address the reason behind the brown tips, they will keep coming back.
Plants You Might Also Like
Dracaena Care Tips
Dracaena Production Guide.University of Florida IFAS.
Dracaena fragrans.NC State Extension.
