The dragon tree (Dracaena) is a popular houseplant that provides an exotic flair with little effort. Does your dragon tree keep getting brown tips, constantly losing leaves or not growing properly? This easy-care plant also needs the right treatment to stay healthy for a long time. Here you can find out how to care for your dragon tree.
The right location makes all the difference
You determine the location, because the dragon tree copes well with different light conditions. If you want it to grow quickly and compactly, make sure it gets as much light as possible! In order for the dragon tree to grow optimally, it needs a bright, but not too sunny spot.
Direct midday sun can burn its leaves, while too little light inhibits growth. A semi-shady spot near a window is ideal. On frost-free days, your dragon tree can even move outside, as it tolerates temperatures between 2° and 36° C. Do you want your dragon tree to grow straight? Then turn it a little regularly, for example when watering!
How often should it be watered?
A common care mistake is too much water. The dragon tree likes it dry rather than wet. Only water it when the top layer of soil has dried out well. Waterlogging can lead to root rot, so excess water should always be able to drain away easily and should be poured away. It is best to use low-lime, stale water.
Dust off your plant
Dust settles like a film on the leaves of your houseplants and reduces energy production and growth. Does dusting your dragon tree leaf by leaf sound unattractive? You’re right! Put it in the shower once a year and dust will be a thing of the past! This allows leaf respiration and photosynthesis to run optimally and your dragon tree is perfectly cared for.
Which substrate is the right one?
Choose a soil that suits the location! Your dragon tree will also be really happy with standard potting soil if you add enough pumice 🛒 or perlite 🛒 to the soil (mixing ratio of potting soil to pumice/perlite 2:1). This makes it much more permeable and minor watering accidents do not directly lead to the roots rotting. However, succulent soil or a mineral substrate are also ideal for dragon trees.
How to fertilize correctly
The dragon tree needs nutrients to grow vigorously. You can fertilize it all year round with a low-dose solution in the irrigation water. Yes, you read that right! If you do not place it in a cool winter habitat, such as a conservatory, but keep the conditions almost the same all year round, then year-round fertilization is also good for your plant.
Leaves turning brown? This helps
Brown leaf tips are often a sign of dry air or too much, too little or too irregular watering, but can also occur in nature under optimal conditions. ButIn heated rooms, it is worth increasing the humidity, for example by occasionally spraying with low-lime water.
Pruning for more vitality
If the dragon tree grows too tall or develops bald patches, it can easily be pruned back. Cut the trunk to the desired height with a sharp knife. New shoots will form in a few weeks.
If you don’t want to cut away the entire crown, you can also cut off individual shoots with a clean, disinfected knife. To do this, take the leaves up and tie them together in a “plait” with a soft hair band, then nothing will get in the way when cutting. You can put the cut shoot in a glass of water to root. Once enough roots have sprouted, plant the mini dragon in the same pot for a bushy appearance or give the cutting as a gift.
The following generally applies to all houseplantsAlways orient yourself to the conditions of the place of origin and adjust the location, the amount of watering and the substrate in your home accordingly. The darker the leaf color, the less light it needs.
The dragon tree is an easy plant to care for as long as you follow a few basic rules. A bright location, moderate watering and occasional fertilization are enough to keep it healthy and strong. If you also keep an eye on the humidity, you will be able to enjoy this exotic houseplant for a long time. And, isn’t it easy to look after a dragon tree? Good luck with our tips!
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Source: Youtube/Crazyplantboy
