Propogating dracena

I have a dracena that is almost 6 ft tall and outgrowing the room. I have tried air layering twice and the cut area keeps healing itself and forms no roots. I understand I can just cut the tops and place in water to root, but the tops are quite big and I wouldn't be sure where to cut.

I would so appreciate any guidance on how best to proceed.

Thank you.

 

I usually take the top 18 inches or so, remove leaves from the bottom 6 inches, and push that end into the soil. No intermediate water step. I've never used rooting hormone.

You have the option to then cut what's left down another couple of feet and let them grow new tips. Or cut them to just above the soil (still with a few leaves) and let them grow. That's a little better, as they look a bit strange with new tips growing off the side of the top. But you might want to do both, so you still have something to look at. You would have two plants. Or if you have room in the original pot, push the new cuttings right into there. Or repot the original pot into something larger, and do both things - cut back the original stems and put the new tips in there as well.

 

Did you put something like a toothpick in the cut to prevent this from happening?

 

Yes, Junglekeeper, I did try the toothpicks on my second attempt and they didn't seem to change the result.
Thank you Wendy for the thorough information. I will give that a try. I appreciate your help.

 

I know air layering is a common propagation technique, for plants that need roots. But Dracaena seem to be able to take care of themselves without all that trouble. I don't remember even losing one cutting, in terrible old soil in the same pot as the original plant.

 

It looks like the first photo is of the healed over attempt at air-layering. It would have been better to have made the cut higher up at a point closer to the node.

The following document contains some information on propagating Dracaena; it may be useful: UF > IFAS > MREC > Apopka - Dracaena Production Guide

 

Thank you wcutler and Junglekeeper. What was most puzzling to me is that I have successfully used air layering many times, so it was odd that this time didn't work. I appreciate knowing that these plants can be propagated differently. Thank you.