cold damage on Dracaena
Quick answer
If your Dracaena has cold damage, the most likely cause is: 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).
Start here:
- 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.
Why Dracaena gets cold damage
Dracaena spp.
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 reverse cold damage on Dracaena
- 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.
Keep cold damage off this Dracaena
Keep away from AC vents in summer and drafty windows/doors in winter. Use frost blankets if transporting.