Dracaena Gold Dust 4"

Caring for a Dracaena Gold Dust (also known as Dracaena surculosa 'Gold Dust') is pretty straightforward! This plant is a beauty, with its green leaves dusted with golden-yellow spots. Here’s what you need to keep it thriving:

1. Light

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while low light might make the gold spots fade.
• It can tolerate lower light, but for the best leaf coloration, place it in a spot with filtered or dappled light.

2. Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist, but don’t let it stay soggy. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry.
• It’s better to underwater slightly than overwater—Dracaenas are sensitive to overwatering and root rot.
• If using tap water, let it sit out overnight before watering to allow chlorine and fluoride to dissipate, as Dracaenas can be sensitive to those.

3. Humidity

• The Dracaena Gold Dust prefers moderate humidity. If your home is dry, especially in winter, you can:
  • Mist the leaves occasionally.
  • Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
  • Use a pebble tray with water or a small humidifier nearby.

4. Temperature

• Loves warm temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C). Avoid drafts, cold temperatures, or placing it near air conditioning vents.

5. Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant soil mix works well, or you can add a bit of perlite or sand for extra drainage.

6. Fertilizer

• Feed it with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Skip fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

7. Pruning

• Trim off any yellowing or damaged leaves with clean scissors. This encourages fresh growth and keeps the plant looking neat.

8. Repotting

• Repot every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

9. Pests

• Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. If you spot them, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

10. Toxicity

• Dracaenas are toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs.