A dragon palm can be found in almost every household. It's basically part of the basic equipment. It is also known as the dragon tree. But the name is deceptive: it is neither a tree nor is it scary. Quite the opposite: its trunk is slender and exceptionally branched. Countless lancet-like leaves sprout from its tips, usually brightly colored. Despite her beauty, she expects little attention.
Best-known varieties
More than 50 species of dragon palm, botanically Dracaena, are known in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In the local climate they reach impressive heights and are actually reminiscent of trees. Some species have made it to Central Europe, but only as houseplants and with more modest growth. The following types are offered in specialist retailers and occasionally in discounters:
- Dracaena marginata – the easy-care “entry-level model”
- Dracaena sanderana – with numerous side shoots
- Dracaena surculosa – max 70 cm high and heavily branched
- Dracaena marginata “Tricolor” – green, pink and cream striped leaves
- Dracaena deremensis, Dracaena draco, Dracaena fragrans - all grow tall up to approx. 1.5 m, slight differences in leaf color and leaf shape.
Note:
The name Dracaena comes from Greek and means “female dragon”.
Location
In your own four walls you will find one or two free spaces where a green plant can be placed decoratively. But not every place offers optimal growing conditions. Plants like it bright, so a dragon tree also enjoys lots of light. However, it is undemanding and, if necessary, is content with a partial shade spot. This is especially true for specimens with purely green leaves.
- like brightness, without direct sun
- Morning and evening sun is acceptable
- excessive sunlight burns the leaves
- green-leaved species are also content with little light
- the more colored the leaves, the more light is needed
- the optimal room temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius
- love high humidity
- bright, damp bathroom is an ideal location
Tip:
Dragon trees like to stretch towards the light. The result is bizarrely deformed plants. Therefore, rotate the plant pot regularly to maintain straight and beautiful growth.
Substrate
Special palm soil is available commercially that is well suited for the dragon tree. But it is not a must, especially since it is more expensive than conventional potting soil.
- Palm soil works well, but is not necessary
- Compost-based potting soil is sufficient
- Add some sand, it makes the soil permeable
- Add expanded clay, gravel or lava grit
- Amounts of humus and clay are also good for the palm tree
Planting and repotting
The first dragon palm usually brings its pot from the trade. At the beginning, the plant can be content with this for some time. Over the years, however, a move to a larger root home becomes necessary. Even small dragon trees you grow yourself need the right pot right from the start.
- the planter must be sufficiently large
- with lots of drainage holes
- Prefer pots with irrigation system
- Repot smaller plants every 2-3 years
- Repot large plants annually
- the new pot should have a few centimeters more circumference
Repotting or planting is easy:
- Loosen the soil around the edge of the pot. The easiest way to do this is with a blunt knife.
- Carefully lift the palm tree out of the pot without damaging the roots.
- Carefully knock off the old soil.
- Cut off dead or damaged roots. The he althy roots can also be trimmed a little with scissors.
- Fill the new pot with some soil.
- Place the palm tree in the pot and keep the trunk straight.
- Fill the gaps with soil.
- Press the soil lightly.
- Water the dragon palm well.
Pouring
The Dracaena really likes moist environments. It is therefore happy when it is watered regularly. He thanks this with rapid growth. However, excess water that collects in the saucer should be poured away promptly. If the water remains in the saucer for a longer period of time, the moisture-sensitive roots will soon become moldy.
- water regularly
- Earth should not dry out
- no water may remain in the coaster
- water a lot from March to August
- reduce watering in winter
- Spray dracaena with warm water in winter
- Remove dust from leaves with a damp cloth
- alternatively: shower in the shower
- Dragon palm is good for hydroponics
- Vessels with an irrigation system reduce the watering intervals enormously
Note:
This adaptable palm can survive occasional “dry periods”. However, leaves fall to the ground and the once impressive splendor gradually disappears.
Fertilize
The dragon palm is a fast-growing plant that relies on fertilizer in the summer months. It is best to give this to her together with the irrigation water.
- fertilize every two weeks
- Liquid fertilizer is ideal
- Add fertilizer to the irrigation water
- Do not fertilize from October to January
Cutting
Dragon palms do not need pruning to develop he althily. The larger the plant grows, the more impressive its appearance is. The amazed plant lover will not like to stop this development with the scissors. But at some point the tree will completely fill the available space. Then at the latest it's time to move or use the scissors.
- Dragon palm does not need to be cut
- However, it can be shortened without causing damage
- if the plant has become too big
- then trim the shoot tips vigorously
- Dragon palm forms new shoots from sleeping eyes
- Unsightly grown shoots can also be removed
- early spring is good for all cutting measures
- Cutting as a care measure for denser growth
- Behead the dragon palm
Tip:
Cutted shoot tips are far too good for the trash can. With a little work, patience and luck, new dragon trees will grow from them. In a mixture of peat and sand, there is a good chance that new roots will form on the shoots.
Propagation
Propagate the dragon palm is so easy that even a beginner shouldn't have any problems with it. If you have a desire for new palm trees or want to use cut shoots sensibly, the following “step by step” instructions will help.
- Choose a sharp knife. Sharp scissors are more suitable for thicker trunks.
- Cut off the top piece of the head or shoot. The cut piece should be at least 10 cm long.
- Close the open interface with wax.
- Cut off most of the leaves from the cutting. Only the top centimeter should still have leaves. This concentrates the energy on root growth.
- Place the cuttings in a vase filled with water, on a bright but sun-protected windowsill.
- After 2 to 3 weeks, new roots will form on the trunk.
- Plant the rooted cutting in a pot. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Wintering
Wintering the dragon tree is uncomplicated. Most of the time he is allowed to stay in his usual room. Only the light intensity needs to be tested. If he stands in a shady place, it will be even darker for him in winter. Maybe even too dark. Then it has to be moved closer to the window. Since the indoor climate changes in winter and growth is significantly slowed down, the dragon tree needs appropriate care.
- Dragon palm has to stay warm even in winter
- dry heating air is harmful to the foliage
- therefore avoid location near the heater
- Spray the plant regularly with water
- water sparingly
- do not fertilize
Pests
Diseases and pests are rare on a well-cared for and he althy dragon tree. With incorrect care and an unfavorable location, things can look completely different. If watering is neglected, spider mites, scale insects or thrips will spread. Especially in winter, dry heating air promotes pest infestation, which spreads rapidly from one houseplant to the next. Therefore, always make sure that the bale does not dry out and that the humidity is increased in winter. Inspect your plants regularly so that you can detect an infestation early and respond with appropriate measures.
Diseases
The lower leaves regularly turn brown, wilt and eventually fall off. This is part of the growth process and is no reason to worry as long as new leaves keep growing. On the other hand, if the tips of the leaves are dry and brown, this is a clear sign that something is wrong.
- humidity too low
- the substrate is too dry
- change of location too quickly
- even touching in passing can damage the tips
Yellow leaves and yellow shoot tips are clearly symptoms of damaged roots. Persistent wetness caused this damage. The plant urgently needs to be repotted. Beforehand, the root ball should be cleaned and any rotten roots cut off. So that the plant can recover again, waterlogging must be consistently avoided in the future.
Toxicity
The sap of the dragon tree contains so-called saponins. These are relatively non-toxic to humans. In addition, the saponins make the plant bitter. Small children who taste plant parts usually spit them out immediately. There is therefore little risk that the saponins will end up in the digestive tract, where they are not well absorbed anyway. The dragon tree is more poisonous to animals. The saponins can damage the mucous membranes and red blood cells. Dogs and cats seem to react particularly sensitively to this. They need to be kept away from it as they like to nibble on plants when they are bored. While the large animals avoid poisonous plants due to the appropriate training, small puppies and kittens are at greater risk. They are not allowed free access to poisonous plants. You can usually tell whether your pet has eaten parts of the dragon palm by the following symptoms:
- Weakness, vomiting and diarrhea
- Foaming at the mouth
- Dizziness and cramps
- Fever
See a veterinarian immediately. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other poisonous plants. Therefore, tell the doctor which plants you have.
Note:
Asthmatics and allergy sufferers sometimes react unpleasantly to the excretions of the dragon tree that they ingest in the air they breathe. If you feel unwell, have shortness of breath or start sweating when near it, you should say goodbye to the dragon tree.
