Grow Light for Dracaena Marginata: Dragon Tree Indoors
A grow light for dracaena marginata helps a dragon tree sitting far from a window. NC State Extension says bright, indirect light is ideal for this slow growing plant. Illinois Extension lists dracaena among houseplants that need medium light.
The short answer
Give dracaena marginata bright, indirect light. A grow light set 6 to 12 inches from the leaf tips on a timer for 14 to 16 hours a day works well. Illinois Extension says not to go past 16 hours. Pale, thin new leaves mean the light’s too far away.
How much light does dracaena marginata need?
NC State gives bright, indirect light as ideal. Illinois Extension describes medium light as about 150 foot candles, the light found directly in front of a north window or a few feet from an east or west window. Missouri Extension says too little light is the most common factor that limits houseplant growth. See grow lights for cannabis for light setups.
Which grow light suits dracaena marginata?
Illinois Extension says cool white fluorescent bulbs work well for foliage plants. For most plants, University of Missouri Extension advises tips 6 to 12 inches from the light. Since light fades fast over distance, an adjustable fixture is worth buying. Home lights struggle with high light plants, Missouri notes, since those need at least 1,000 foot candles. Read led light distance cannabis for distance and grow light timers for timers.
How do you tell if dracaena marginata has the right light?
New leaves tell all. Maine Extension says plants too far from a light have thin leaves, longer gaps between leaves and smaller, lighter new growth. Plants too close have short leaf stems and crinkled, leathery leaves. Weak light also gives pale foliage and spindly growth.
Dracaena marginata under grow lights
| Need | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect | NC State |
| Distance | 6 to 12 inches from tips | Missouri |
| Hours | 14 to 16, never more than 16 | Illinois |
| Water | Dry between waterings, not severely | NC State |
Sources: NC State Extension, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, University of Missouri Extension, Illinois Extension.
How to: step by step
- Pot the plant in a well draining potting mix.
- Hang a grow light on an adjustable fixture.
- Set a timer for 14 to 16 hours.
- Water once the mix has dried but before it is bone dry.
- Use distilled or non fluorinated water.
- Adjust the light as you watch new leaves.
Troubleshooting
Pale, spindly growth: insufficient light. Lower the light or add hours.
Crinkled, leathery leaves: the light sits too close. Raise it.
Discolored leaves: NC State says this species is sensitive to fluoride. Switch to distilled or non fluorinated water.
Kind Seed Co shares these notes for houseplant growers. If lights are part of your setup, browse cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Dracaena marginata (dragon tree), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing houseplants under artificial lights in Maine (Bulletin 2614), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
- Lighting, Illinois Extension Houseplants
FAQ
Can a dragon tree live in low light?
It likes more. NC State Extension calls bright, indirect light ideal and Illinois Extension places dracaena in the medium light group.
Why are the leaf tips brown?
Fluoride is one cause to check. NC State says this species is sensitive to fluoride, which discolors leaves, so use distilled or non fluorinated water.
How tall can dracaena marginata get?
NC State says it grows to about 6 feet as a houseplant and can be pruned smaller. In the tropics it can reach 20 feet.
How many hours should the light run?
Illinois Extension says 14 to 16 hours is sufficient and plants should not get more than 16 hours.
Which bulb type suits a dragon tree?
Illinois Extension says cool white fluorescent bulbs work well for foliage plants. Dimmable LEDs also work, Maine Extension notes.
