How to Grow and Care for Dragon Tree
The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is a large plant with sword-shaped, green, red-edged leaves. It is native to Madagascar The striking spiked tree makes a wonderful introduction plant for gardeners looking for an indoor tree. It’s simple to take care of as well as drought-resistant, and is nearly indestructible.
The tree’s slow growth could take up to a decade before it can grow to a few feet however, it will eventually reach around 20 feet. But, it is typically planted as a potted plant and pruned to six feet, or less.
Keep the dragon tree out of reach from pets since it’s poisonous to animals when ingested.
Common Names | Dragon tree, dragon plant Madagascar dragon tree |
Botanical Name | Dracaena marginata |
Family | Asparagaceae |
Plant Type | Broadleaf evergreen |
Mature Size | 15-20 ft. tall, 3-10 ft. wide |
Sun Exposure | Full sun, part shade |
Soil Type | Loamy, well-drained |
Soil pH | Acidic to neutral |
Bloom Time | Spring (rarely flowers inside) |
Flower Color | White |
Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
Native Areas | Madagascar |
Toxicity | Toxic for dogs, toxic to cats |
Dragon Tree Tips for Beginners
- Where to Place It The best place to put it is in an area that is exposed to light to moderate indirect sunlight.
- What to do with it Dragon trees can withstand drought therefore, provide it with a thorough watering at every 3 weeks.
- Soil Type: Choose an open, well-drained potting mix when you’re growing dragon trees because they will thrive best in this mix.
Dragon Tree Care
Dragon trees are very well-loved as potted plants that are large enough for offices and homes. Here are the most crucial needs for care.
- Plant in soil that is well-drained
- It is important to drink water regularly throughout the growing season.
- Put them in indirect, bright light, but they will flourish in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Fertilize your garden in the early days of spring.
Light
Put your dragon tree in an space that has direct, bright sunlight. The plants are also able to thrive in shade. Remember that plants placed in lower lighting conditions will develop slower and produce leaves that are less vivid in color. Also, be careful not to put the dragon’s tree an area where it is exposed to direct sunlight. Its foliage could easily burn.
Soil
Make sure you use a loose, well-drained potting mix for planting a dragon tree an indoor plant. Loamy soil that has been amended with peat moss works best. Be sure that the container you choose is big enough to accommodate the extensive root system of the plant. Certain varieties originate from Hawaii and be lava rocks. If that is the case take approximately a third of the rocks and put it in the potting soil.
Water
Make sure that the top layer of the ground is completely dry prior to watering the dragon tree, that could take three weeks or longer. As with many drought-tolerant plants dragon trees can be easily irrigated.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain your dragon tree in the warmer temperature that are between 70 and 80degF. The normal humidity of your home should be sufficient for them. However, when your house is especially dry, consider misting your plants lightly with spray bottles every couple of days.
Fertilizer
Feed a dragon tree gently at the start of spring by using a balanced liquid fertilizer. While they have a low requirement for fertilizer and it’s not a necessary component of being a flourishing plant, it could aid in the growth of new plants.
Types of Dragon Tree
While there are a variety of dragon tree, the types most frequently found in plant stores (and commonly used in the form of house plants) are:
- Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolor‘ This variety has deep red edges, green leaves as well as an ivory stripe along the leaf’s center.
- D. marginata “Colorama” This dragon tree could appear completely pink, but in reality it’s colored with green and white stripes. It’ll require a bright light to preserve its unique shades.
- D. marginata “Bicolor”: True to the name this variety of the dragon tree features green and red stripes.
Pruning
It’s normal for dragon trees to self-seal dead leaves. Simply take them off and dispose of them.
To keep the plant trim and tidy, cut off leaves that appear as if they’re going to fall or cut the stems back using cutting shears that are sharp and sterile to clean up the tree.
Cleanse your pruning tool using an emollient rag soaked in common household items like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol after which rinse it with water and then clean the tool before applying it to your plant.
Propagating Dragon Tree
You can grow your dragon’s tree using stem cuttings that have been rooted in water. It’s so simple to do that the variety is commonly employed in dish gardens, and is easily propagated by nurseries and retail stores.
It is best to start this process in the spring, when the plant is in full bloom. It can take just 3 weeks to allow the stems to grow roots. Using the rooting hormone is not necessary.
- Utilizing a sharp, sterile scissor, slice a length of stem around 8 inches.
- Take down any leaves that hang low.
- Then, place the cut into potting soil that has been moistened.
- The cutting should be placed in direct, but bright sunlight.
- When new leaves begin to sprout and the plant has sprung new roots. You can take care of your plant as normal.
Potting and Repotting Dragon Tree
Check every every year to determine whether it is time to move it into bigger pots. Examine in the base of the pot to see if roots are that are leaking through the drainage holes. This could indicate it is rooted and requires an additional container.
Pick a pot that has an approximate diameter of 2 inches bigger than the current container. Be sure to choose a pot with at least one drainage hole.
Since these trees grow slow, they usually need to be repotted every second, or even the third year. In between, you could renew the potting soil every year to replenish any mix that has become compacted.
Common Pests
While they are generally resistant to diseases, dragon trees are prone to scaling insects, mealybugs, and thrips.3 Mealybugs are easy to spot since they leave tiny sticky and sticky deposits on the tree’s leaves.
The dragon tree plant is also susceptible to contracting the most common plant pest known as spider mites.4
Dragon Tree. Henderson County Master Gardener Association, Texas Master Gardeners.
They are most likely to be present in warm weather when the atmosphere is dry. Nevertheless they are difficult to identify until they’ve already damaged the plant.
Common Issues with Dragon Tree
Dragon trees are simple to care for however, there are some things to be aware of.
Leaves Falling Off
The excessive watering of that the dragon tree’s leaves to turn yellow and then fall off. They are vulnerable to excessive moisture at their roots. To prevent this from happening, you should examine the soil frequently. If the top two inches of soil seem too damp, it’s a sign that you’ve been too generous with your watering.
Drooping Leaves
If you notice that the foliage of the dragon tree are drooping this could be an indication that your plants is struggling to drink enough water. It is best not to wait long enough for your plant to dry completely before you water it. In the event that your plant’s lower leaves are falling considerably more than the other leaves it could be an indication of root rot. To prevent any problems be sure that you’re not overwatering the plant.
Brown Leaves or Leaf Tips
In the event that your soil becomes humid or too dry, the leaves of the dragon tree could begin to get brown. Check to ensure you’re striking the right balance when you water. In addition, a lack of humidity can cause the tips becoming brown and eventually loss. Increase the humidity by putting the plant in the top of a dish that is filled with pebbles and water, or using an air humidifier.
If the plant starts to show brown spots on its leaves it’s a sign the water that you’re using contains excessive fluoride or salt that could cause discoloration. The water you give your dragon tree should be non-fluoridated or distilled water to prevent the buildup of fluoride.
Crispy Leaves
When you observe that the leaves in your shrub seems hard and brittle It could indicate that the plant is getting excessive direct sunlight. If exposed to light, the leaves could be swollen and crispy. Plant plants in shade that receives indirect light or partial shade for the best results.
Yellowing Leaves
In some cases there are instances when you notice that dragon’s plant turning yellow. This could be due to too much direct sunlight. The leaves may scorch or discolor and begin to droop.2 Transfer the plant to an area that gets more indirect or filtered sunlight prior to a prolonged period of light damage. A yellowing leaf could indicate that the plant requires either more or less. You must ensure you are striking the appropriate balance.
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