Dragon Tree Care Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Dragon Tree
AKA dracaena marginata
A timeless indoor plant with a striking appearance, the Dragon Tree, or Dracaena marginata, is known for its slender striped leaves that burst out of strong trunks. One of the easiest plants to care for and a fabulous indoor air-purifier, the Dragon Tree requires little maintenance to bring beauty and elegance to any space it graces. You can’t go wrong by buying a Dragon Tree: they’re truly as easy-going as they are gorgeous! Learn how to care for and grow your very own Dragon Tree.
What type of light does my Dragon tree need?
Dragon Trees prefer bright indirect light, though they can adjust to medium to low levels of light as well. Keep them out of harsh direct sunlight, as too much of it can scorch their leaves.
How to water your 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.
How fast does the Dragon Tree grow?
The Dragon Tree is a slow grower houseplant, though it is constantly unfolding new leaves and shedding old ones. Indoors, it can reach up to eight feet tall! Fertilize your Dragon Tree 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.
Common problems with Dragon Trees
Leaves falling off
If you see your Dragon Tree leaves falling off, worry not! The Dragon Tree naturally sheds its leaves, so it is not uncommon for you to find them at the base of the soil or on the floor. To avoid them falling to the ground, you may periodically prune your Dragon Tree by simply removing any dead leaves once every week or two. Also consider fertilizing your plant in the spring and summer to make sure there are enough nutrients to go around the many many leaves!
If your Dragon Tree is losing many leaves (think the plant is starting to look scarce and/or showing other signs of distress), you may actually have a problem. Check first to make sure you are not overwatering — the soil should dry out in between waterings. Overwatering can lead to more severe ailments and that may eventually require you change the soil.
Read more about leaf drop in Dragon Trees here.
Leaves drooping
If you see leaves or foliage dropping on your Dragon Tree, it’s very possible you are either overwatering or underwatering. If you suspect it’s underwatering, give your Dragon Tree a thorough shower and let it completely drain out — it should perk up within 24 hours. If you suspect overwatering, check the soil, particularly at the bottom of the plant. Is there moisture? Let the plant dry out before watering again, and if you expect a case of root rot, you may need to repot the plant with fresh soil.
Read more about droopy Dragon Trees here.
Leaves turning brown
Are the new leaves of your Dragon Tree turning brown? This could be due to temperature fluctuations. The Dragon Tree does not like drastic temperature changes that could be caused by air vents (AC or heating) or drafts.
Read more about Dragon Trees and their brown tips here.
How to maintain and grow a beautiful and healthy Dragon Tree
Take care of your Dragon Tree (AKA dracaena marginata) and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Dragon Tree over time.
Pruning Your Dragon Tree
Remove dry or dead leaves all year round, but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. If you would like to remove an entire stalk or branch of your Dragon Tree, simply cut them off at a 45 degree angle with sharp pruning shears.
Brown tips? No problem. This can be common but not serious with Dragon Trees. Simply cut the tips off, following the natural shape of the leaf.
Cleaning Your Dragon Tree
With so many thin leaves, the Dragon Tree can be difficult to clean! We recommend regularly misting to keep dust off, and occasionally cleaning the leaves with a moist towel.
How To Repot A Dragon Tree
Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every 2-3 years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.
When to repot - If the roots of your Dragon Tree are outgrowing its pot, it will let you know by bulging out at the sides.
Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil. You may need to cut back some of the roots to do this.
Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take 2-4 weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.
Shop beautiful Dragon Trees at leonandgeorge.com
How to propagate a Dragon Tree
The Dragon Tree (AKA dracaena marginata) is a simple plant to propagate. Though there are many ways to do this, water propagation is generally the easiest way to go about it. Follow these instructions to propagate your Dragon Tree:
Select a branch or stalk to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut a branch off your Dragon tree at a 45 degree angle.
Place in water - Find a clear glass and fill with water. Make sure only the stem is submerged, and no leaves are sitting in the water.
Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid any direct sun. You may need to change the water out every few days to keep it fresh. It usually takes just a few days for the root to start growing.
Transfer to soil - After a few weeks, transfer to indoor potting soil. Depending on the size of the branch and its roots, make sure to choose an appropriate size pot — you do not want an overly large pot for a small cutting or roots.
Keep hydrated - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your Dragon Tree. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times.
Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.
Dragon Tree
Recognizable for its long slender striped leaves that spring forth from a robust trunk, the Dragon Tree is a favorite among easy-to-grow house plants. Its adaptability to different styles makes it a must-have for any gardener. While it thrives in bright light, it remains one of the easiest plants to grow and care for. Each Dragon Tree comes with the option of various pots, including a self-draining ceramic pot that ensures optimal moisture levels. Additionally, the perfect potting mix provided with it wards off pests and harmful insects, ensuring your plant remains vibrant and healthy. Whether you're an avid gardener or just beginning your journey with house plants, the Dragon Tree is an excellent choice to add to your collection.