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Cold Damage on dracaena
What's Happening
Dracaenas are tropical plants that suffer tissue damage at temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Exposure to cold drafts or frosty windows causes leaves to turn translucent, mushy, or suddenly collapse (droop vertically).
How to Fix It
- 1
Move to warmth: Immediately relocate to a stable 65-75°F (18-24°C) environment.
- 2
Trim damage: Cut away mushy or blackened leaves. If the stem is still firm, the plant will recover.
- 3
Wait: Do not fertilize or repot a cold-shocked plant; let it stabilize for 4 weeks.
- 4
Check stem: If the main trunk is mushy, top-cut to see if there is healthy green tissue left.
How to Prevent It
Keep away from AC vents in summer and drafty windows/doors in winter. Use frost blankets if transporting.
Related Problems
Same Problem on Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes cold damage on my plant?
Dracaenas are tropical plants that suffer tissue damage at temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Exposure to cold drafts or frosty windows causes leaves to turn translucent, mushy, or suddenly collapse (dro...
How do I fix cold damage?
Move to warmth: Immediately relocate to a stable 65-75°F (18-24°C) environment.. Trim damage: Cut away mushy or blackened leaves. If the stem is still firm, the plant will recover..
How do I prevent cold damage from happening again?
Keep away from AC vents in summer and drafty windows/doors in winter. Use frost blankets if transporting.