Everybody who owns a Dragon Tree knows that they are a green gift that just keeps on giving. Vivid, sculptural, multi-leveled foliage and slim trunks make this easy-going Dracaena variety a great choice for myriad spaces, and they are a truly low-maintenance plant for those looking for a low-touch routine. They really don’t need much, but like all living plants, they can react to changes in the seasons, their plant care routines, and more. And for Dragon Trees, that stress can take the form of falling leaves. But don’t fret: this leaf fall is easily diagnosed and corrected. Read on!

Natural Shedding

Leaf shedding happens! We know, we know- it would be nice if our green friends could keep every leaf of their foliage forever, but that just isn’t the way nature works. Dragon Trees naturally shed leaves over time when they lose viability, and the plant directs its energy toward the growth of new leaves. If you prefer not to pick up shedded leaves, you can trim any dying or unhealthy leaves off of it every couple weeks.

Needs Nourishment: Fertilizer!

Dragon Trees are big and beautiful, and they appreciate extra nourishment in the form of fertilizer. If your Dragon Tree is dropping a large amount of leaves, it may be because it is not being sufficiently nourished to sustain all of its foliage. Fertilize your Dragon Tree one to two times per month in the spring and summer to support its growth. Foliar Feed can be utilized year round for gentle nourishment.

Overwatering

If your Dragon Tree is experiencing severe leaf fall and appears to be very stressed, it may be due to overwatering. Dragon Trees do not want to be overwatered, and their top two inches of soil should be allowed to dry fully before watering. To check if your Dragon Tree has been overwatered, remove it (still in its plastic nursery pot) from its ceramic pot. Check the soil for sogginess, and be sure to look into the ceramic pot for standing water. If there is any standing water, dump it out. Allow your Dragon Tree to dry out entirely (still outside of the ceramic pot) before replacing in pot and resuming the standard watering routine of watering only when topsoil is dry. If you’re deeply concerned that your Dragon Tree has been damaged by overwatering, our Plant Doctors can provide assistance. Contact the Plant Doctor service through your Leon and George account, and add a verbal summation of the issue as well as photos of the Dragon Tree as a whole, from bottom of pot to topmost leaf.

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Dragon Tree

With vibrant, textural foliage and a low-maintenance disposition, the Dragon Tree is a dreamy floor plant, combining great height with a slim silhouette. Easy to care for and perfectly versatile.

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Why Does My Dragon Tree Have Brown Tips?

Dragon Trees are a standout statement plant, and they’re a great option for anyone looking to inject vibrant, sculptural greenery in their space without requiring a rigorous plant care routine. It’s really true: they are an incredibly low-maintenance plant. They’re also powerful air-purifiers, so it’s no exaggeration to say that Dragon Trees provide a lot of bang for your buck! Still, all plants can experience cosmetic issues, including the Dragon Tree, and browning leaf trips are perhaps the most common cause of concern for these vivid indoor Dracaenas. Read on to learn what causes browning leaf tips, and how to return your Dragon Tree to green good health!

Temperature Fluctuation

Temperature fluctuations can do a number on even the hardiest of houseplants, so it’s best to ensure that your home stays in around the same temperature range as consistently as possible. For Dragon Trees, this means not letting the temperature dip below 70 degrees.

Drafts and Vents

We confess that we sometimes enjoy a nice blast of cold air from the A.C on a warm day. But Dragon Trees (in fact, most if not all of your houseplants) do not! The heat-loving Dragon Tree is native to Cape Verde, Morocco, and the Canary Islands- none of which are renowned for their freezing gales. So if your Dragon Tree exhibits brown, crispy edges, take a good look at its location. Is it next to an A.C. or vent? Is it situated to a door that opens and closes frequently, letting in cold air? If so, your Tree may need to be moved. Luckily, the Dragon Tree is tolerant of varied light, which means you will have a host of options when it comes to re-positioning it.

Don’t Be Afraid to Trim

Browning leaf tips can be easily trimmed off your Dragon Tree, and you’ll be amazed by how fresh and vibrant your Dragon Tree looks post-manicure. Simply trim the brown off with clean scissors or shears, while following the leaf’s natural curve. If the idea of trimming your plant makes you antsy, our Plant Doctor service can guide you with custom assistance. Reach out to the through your Leon and George account, and be sure to include photos of the Tree as a whole, as well as close ups of any problem areas that need TLC.

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Dragon Tree

Sculptural, textural, and truly low-maintenance, the Dragon Tree is a fabulous statement plant that is tolerant of varied light conditions.

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Why are my Bird of Paradise’s Leaves Discolored?

We adore the The Bird of Paradise. Easy-care, verdantly green and gorgeous, this plant variety is a stunner for rooms that receive plenty of bright, direct light, and it requires water only sparingly. The foliage on this plant is naturally frayed and wild, but signs of discoloration like yellowing and browning are less standard. We know that seeing any discoloration on your plant friend’s leaves can be disconcerting, so read on to get to the bottom of the most common causes-- and their solutions!

Yellowing, Wilted Leaves

Usually, when the Bird of Paradise exhibits yellowing, wilted leaves (think floppy, not firm) it’s a sign that the plant is being overwatered. This is easily resolved! Just remove the plant from its ceramic pot, while keeping it secure in its plastic nursery pot. Check out the soil base. If it’s sopping wet, you may want to check the Bird of Paradise’s roots for root rot, which may require repotting (check out how to repot your Bird of Paradise here). But if the soil is simply wet or moistened through, you can simply allow the plant to dry out for a few days before returning it to its ceramic pot. If necessary, you can trim off any badly affected leaves and stems at their base with clean, sharp shears or scissors.

Browning Edges on Leaves

Crispy, dry brown edges are a common sign of dryness and/or underwatering. The Bird of Paradise does not like to be overwatered, but it does appreciated humidity, and if it is located close to an air vent, heater, A.C. unit or similar, this may be why it’s experiencing dryness. If it is close to an appliance, you should consider moving it. Make sure that you are watering the Bird of Paradise sufficiently, and mist it liberally, either with plain water, or with a mix of water and a gentle Foliar Feed, like Potion Magique. When using Potion Magique, it should be diluted to approximately three drops per every eight ounces of water.

Still Concerned? We’re Here to Help!

You never have to go it alone if you’re concerned with the health of your plant. If you follow the steps above and notice that your Bird of Paradise is not improving, our Plant Doctor service is here to help guide you with custom advice and solutions. Simply reach out to the via your Leon and George account, including illustrative photos and a description of any issues you’re seeing.

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Bird of Paradise

Verdant, playful and charmingly low-maintenance, the Bird of Paradise is ideal for bright, sunny spaces.

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