Dragon trees, also known as Dracaena marginatas, are striking ornamental houseplants that can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. With their spiky, sword-shaped leaves and architectural shape, these tropical trees make a bold statement in any living space.
Caring for a dragon tree may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand their basic needs. In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to keep your dragon tree thriving for years to come.
Choosing the Right Dragon Tree
Dragon trees come in a few different varieties, each with their own unique aesthetic. The most common type has green leaves with red margins, but you can also find tri-color cultivars with pink, cream, and green variegation.
When selecting your plant, consider its mature size. Standard dragon trees can reach up to 20 feet tall outdoors but they grow much shorter when kept as houseplants. Aim for a young plant that’s 1-2 feet tall so it fits better in your space long-term.
Also inspect the plant’s health before purchasing. Look for upright vibrant green leaves and no signs of pests or disease on the stems or soil.
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Dragon trees aren’t too demanding when it comes to their environment but providing optimal conditions will keep them looking their best. Here are the key factors to get right
Light
Dragon trees prefer bright, indirect light similar to what they’d receive under a canopy in their native Madagascar. Place your plant near an east or west-facing window where it will get plenty of gentle sunlight. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides get light exposure.
Avoid direct southern light, which can scorch the leaves. If your space only has intense light, diffuse it with a sheer curtain.
Temperature
These tropical trees prefer warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep them away from drafty areas as well as heating and cooling vents.
Humidity
Dragon trees tolerate average indoor humidity just fine. But if your air is very dry, occasional misting can provide a humidity boost. You can also set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Water
Dragon trees are quite drought-tolerant, only needing infrequent watering. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. This may mean watering every 2-3 weeks. Always water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom.
Soil
Use a commercial potting mix or make your own well-draining blend from peat moss, perlite and bark chips. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Caring for your dragon tree also involves regular pruning, occasional fertilizing and watching for pests or diseases. Here are some tips:
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Prune off any dead or damaged leaves using clean pruners. You can also trim the trunks back to reduce height.
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Fertilize during the spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted by half. Don’t over-fertilize.
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Watch for pests like mealybugs, scale and spider mites. Treat promptly with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray.
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Repot every 2-3 years in the spring. Move up just one pot size each time to avoid shock.
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Dust the leaves periodically to keep them looking their best. Use a soft cloth dampened with water.
Propagating Your Dragon Tree
Want more dragon trees for free? Propagating from stem cuttings is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
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In spring, cut an 8 inch stem right below a leaf node using clean shears.
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Remove the lowest leaves and let the cutting dry for 1-2 days.
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Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix. Rooting hormone isn’t required.
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Keep it warm and in indirect light. Roots should emerge in 2-3 weeks!
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Once rooted, pot up the new plant in soil and care for it like an adult dragon tree.
Tips for Healthy, Happy Dragon Trees
Follow these tips and your dragon tree will thrive indoors for years:
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
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Wipe dust off leaves regularly to maximize light absorption.
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Rotate the plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides.
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Prune back leggy growth to encourage dense foliage.
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Repot before roots start growing out the drainage holes.
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Keep away from drafty areas and heating/cooling vents.
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Propagate new plants from stem cuttings for free plants!
Common Dragon Tree Problems and Solutions
If your plant develops issues, review these common problems and solutions:
Yellow or dropped leaves – Usually caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry out further between waterings.
Brown leaf tips – Indicates too much fertilizer or salty water. Flush soil to remove excess salts.
Crispy leaves – Sign of too much direct sunlight. Move to a spot with gentle, indirect light.
Drooping leaves – Can mean underwatering or root rot from overwatering. Adjust watering practices accordingly.
Mealybugs or scale – Treat insects promptly by spraying plant with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
The Takeaway
Dragon trees make excellent indoor plants when provided with ample bright, indirect sunlight, moderate watering, well-draining soil and occasional pruning and dusting. Their sword-like foliage adds bold architectural flair in any living space. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be rewarded with a lush, healthy dragon tree for years of enjoyment.
Propagating Dragon Tree
You can propagate your dragon tree using stem cuttings rooted in water. Its so easily done that the varietal is often used in dish gardens and readily propagated by nurseries and retailers.
Its best to do this in the spring when the plant is growing vigorously. It takes just about three weeks for the cuttings to sprout roots, and using a rooting hormone isn’t necessary.
- Using a sterile, sharp scissor, cut a long length of stem thats about 8 inches.
- Remove any low-hanging leaves.
- Put the cutting in moistened potting soil.
- Place the cutting in bright, but indirect sunlight.
- Once new leaves have sprouted, youll know the plant has grown some new roots, and you can care for the plant as usual.
Looking for the best pruners to propagate your dragon tree? We tested over 25 top-rated pruners in our Lab, and were sure they work great to take a cutting off your tree.
Planters for Dragon Tree Plants
When checking your dragon tree plant annually, youll likely have to size up a planter for repotting. Here are our favorite indoor planters to pick from. To prevent overwatering, you can also go with one of these self-watering planters.
5 Quick tips Dracaena
FAQ
How do you care for a Dragon Tree plant indoors?
Water: Water sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Dracaena marginata is drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering, which is the most common cause of issues with this plant. Temperature and Humidity: Prefers average room temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
How often do you water a Dragon Tree?
Let your Dragon Tree dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when topsoil is dry, usually once a week. Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months. Consider using a moisture meter to take the mystery out of your watering schedule and monitor soil humidity.
Where is the best place to put a Dragon Tree?
Where to grow a dragon tree. Dragon trees do best in bright, indirect light, with average temperatures between 18-24ºC, but no lower than 15ºC.Jan 5, 2024
Should I cut brown leaves off Dragon Tree?
Trim dead and browning foliage
Then trim off brown tips to make the plant look fresher. Consider pruning any stems are out of proportion.
How do you care for a dragon tree?
Here are the most important care requirements. Water regularly during their growing season. Place in bright, indirect light, though they can thrive in a variety of light conditions. Fertilize conservatively at the beginning of spring. Place your dragon tree in an area with bright, indirect light. These plants can also survive in partial shade.
How often should you water a dragon tree?
Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering, as overwatering can result in root rot. Water your dragon tree when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually translates to watering once every 7-10 days, but frequency may vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
Do dragon trees need to be watered?
The Dragon Tree is a plant known for its tolerance to neglect in terms of watering. Its trunk has the ability to store water, allowing it to survive dry periods without harm. However, it is still important to water the plant correctly. To ensure proper hydration, wait until the top half of the compost is dry before watering thoroughly.
Are dragon trees good indoor plants?
The Dragon Tree of Dracaena marginata houseplant is an attractive indoor tree with green and red-hued sword-like leaves that fan out from its long stems. This spiky tree is easy to look after and striking, making it a great indoor plant for your home, despite your plant parenting experience.
Is a dragon tree a good houseplant?
The dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is a great houseplant for people who are just starting out because it doesn’t need a lot of care to stay healthy. It does well in low light and stores water in its trunk, so you don’t have to worry about watering it as much.
Where should a dragon tree be planted?
Dragon trees thrive in bright, indirect light Placing them near an east or west facing window is ideal Direct sunlight can actually scorch the leaves, so make sure to filter the light if needed. Bathrooms and kitchens are great spots as they provide the humidity these plants prefer.