What is a Dragon Tree?
Dragon tree got its name from its thick red resin. That resin is known as the “Dragon Blood.” Hence, this is where the word “Dragon Tree” was derived from.
Due to their flexible and resistant nature, dragon trees can be easily grown indoors.
Appearance and Characteristics
A mature Dragon tree has thick and fat branches to support its umbrella-like structure.
With a unique color of green with a brownish blue tint, the leaves of a dragon tree are long, thin, and pointed like a sword. Due to the tensile strength of its leaves, the leaves of the dragon plant were woven into ropes. This practice was done for more than hundreds of years.
White and green flowers are found in the early stages of the dragon tree. Afterward, these flowers develop into dragon’s jewels. Actually, dragon’s jewels are small berries. Due to the seeds inside them, these berries are a source of the new generation of dragon trees.
Even in the modern era, Dragon’s blood (i.e., the thick red resin of the dragon tree) is used in medicines and dyes.
Quick summary
Botanical Plant name: Dracaena Marginata
Native to: Madagascar, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and Western Morocco
Care: Bright and indirect sunlight is required. Also use moist soil
Size: Can grow up to 15 to 20 feet tall, and 3 to 10 feet wide
Common problems:
Tips of the leaves can turn brown and dry due to improper care and vulnerable to pests
Toxicity:
If ingested, it can be toxic to pets like cats and dogs.
Related reads: Growing tips for Golden Pothos
How to care for a Dragon Tree
Sunlight
According to Leon and George, dragon trees prefer bright and indirect light. However, it can also grow in medium to low light. Make sure you don’t put them in the searing sunlight. High-intensity sunlight can burn the leaves of a dragon plant.
Watering
Inside, water the dragon tree when the top layer of the soil becomes dry. Avoid over watering the plant as it can proceed to the sword-like leaves turning dry and brown.
Temperature
Dragon tree loves the temperature between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its temperature tolerance, Dracaena marginata can survive in temperature fluctuance. Avoid keeping it below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, as it can damage the health of the plant.
Humidity
Dracaena marginata can live in room moisture. On the humidity spectrum, dragon trees prefer high moisture levels. If your room atmosphere gets too dry, you can use a water spray to increase the mist around the plant.
Cleaning
Due to the numerous thin leaves, cleaning can be challenging for a dragon plant. Luckily, there is a simple and effective way to clean the plant. Mist regularly to prevent that dusty appearance.
Fertilizing & Soil
You can use commercial houseplant fertilizers. While buying the best fertilizer for your plant, try searching for a fertilizer with a 3:1:2 ratio of Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. Dracaena marginata prefers soil with a relatively low pH.
Prevent overfeeding your plant because it can lead to the early shedding of leaves.
Repotting
Fortunately, due to its slow growth rate, you don’t have to increase the pot size frequently. According to its growth rate, you can expect repotting it once every 2-3 years.
When to roots of the plant reaches the drainage hole, you should reconsider giving it a larger pot to grow more.
Related read: What to track in your garden journal
How and When To Prune
Cut the stem entirely or at the desired height you want. While cutting, make sure to cut straight instead of cutting it at an angle. If you cut it at an angle, it will leave the inner surface of the stem exposed. Due to this, the stem will be at a higher risk for infections.
According to experts, mid-springs and early summers are the best time to prune a dragon tree. Since that is the time when the annual growth of the dragon tree starts. Although dead foliage can be cut on any part of the year
Problems With Dragon Tree
Saponin, a molecule found in Dracaena marginata, is toxic to pets if ingested. According to Pet Poison Helpline’s website, Cats and Dogs are highly affected.
Significant toxicity is not seen in humans unless they are allergic to any compound present in Dracaena marginata.
How to Propagate
Propagation of dragon trees is more straightforward than some house plants.
Dragon trees can propagate through seeds or stem cutting
Stem cutting can be a confusing task. Just follow five mentioned steps for a successful stem propagation
- Cut the leafless stem or a semi-hardwood stem.
- Keep the stem in an upright position in the water.
- Focus on the white nodules. This is where the strong roots will grow
- Put the stems with strong roots in a different soil pot.
- Now, take care of the little dragon tree 🙂
Common FAQs
How much light does a Dragon Tree need?
Dragon tree prefers bright and indirect light.
What is so special about Dragon Tree?
Its thick red resin, also called dragon’s blood, makes this plant unique
Are Dragon Tree good indoor plants?
Yes, Dragon Tree can be grown indoors. Although they can grow up to 20ft outdoors
Can a Dragon Tree grow in low light?
Yes, Dragon trees can survive in low lights. But for good growth, bright and indirect light is preferred.
Is it normal for the lower leaves of a dragon tree to fall?
Yes, the dragon tree uses its lower leaves to store and remove harmful materials.
Plant inspiration tip: brighten your home with beautiful Lilium auratum.
Conclusion – Is It Worth It To Buy A Dragon Tree?
The dragon tree is a beautiful ornamental plant. Its canopy-shaped head and sword-like leaves make it an excellent addition to your indoor decorations.
Due to its low maintenance, the dragon tree does not require high care. Unlike some of the other indoor plants. Such as Calathea and Orchids.
According to the famous myth, Hercules slew the Greek god Ladon. The blood of Ladon got absorbed into the ground. Later, that blood soil gave rise to the Dragon Tree.
In conclusion, having a low-maintenance plant with a mythical background and striking appearance is worth your time and money.