How to Grow and Care for Dragon Tree Indoors

The following table provides an overview of the dragon tree, a popular houseplant that can also grow outdoors in warm climates. The dragon tree has a distinctive appearance with a slender trunk and tufts of sword-shaped leaves. It can produce small, fragrant flowers that are followed by orange-red berries.

Common Name	Dragon tree
Botanical Name	Dracaena marginata [1]
Plant Type	Evergreen shrub or tree
Sun Exposure	Bright indirect light to partial shade
Mature Size	Up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide indoors Up to 50 feet tall and 15 feet wide outdoors
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (6.0 to 7.5)
Soil Type	Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil
Flower Color	White or cream
Toxicity	Toxic to cats and dogs

There are more than 100 varieties of dragon trees. Some of the most common types include:

• Dracaena marginata [1] or Madagascar dragon tree: This type features long, spiny green leaves with red edges.
• Dracaena draco: This type has two-foot-long, sword-shaped blue-green leaves.
• Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’: This type has long, broad green leaves.
• Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’: This type has pointed yellow and green leaves.

Dragon trees [2] are particularly common as big potted plants for homes and offices because of their endurance for a wide variety of temperatures. They need to be watered frequently during their growing season and placed in soil that drains properly. Although they may survive in a variety of lighting situations, indirect bright light is the best.

Temperature and Humidity

Warmer conditions between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are preferred by dragon trees. Normal household humidity ought to be plenty for them, but if your home is extremely dry, you might want to think about softly spraying the pants every few days.

Soil

Use a loose, well-drained potting mix for growing dragon trees in pots; loamy soil that has been improved with peat moss is best. Make sure there is enough space in the container you select for the plant's large root system. If lava rock is present, remove roughly one-third of it and replace it with potting soil. Certain cultivars imported from Hawaii may arrive with lava rock.

Water

Like many drought-tolerant plants, the dragon tree is simple to overwater. Wait till the top half of the soil is dry before watering so you don't drown it (this can often take three weeks or more). When a plant's leaves start to turn brown at the tips, it's usually a sign that it's either getting too much water or that the water you're using contains too much fluoride or salt, both of which can discolor the plant's leaves. Water your dragon tree with distilled or non-fluoridated water to avoid fluoride. Yellow leaves on a plant typically indicate that it needs more water.

Fertilizer

Dragon trees have a relatively low need for fertilizer and it is not an essential component to having a thriving plant. However, to boost their growth, you can feed them lightly at the beginning of spring with a balanced controlled-release liquid fertilizer. Do not fertilize in the winter.

Light

Dragon trees can survive in some shade but thrive in intense light. Remember that plants grown in low light environments will develop more slowly and produce leaves with less vibrant color. Also, be careful not to position your dragon tree in a location that receives direct sunlight as its foliage is quickly burned.

Dragon trees are popular houseplants that can add a tropical flair to any indoor space. They are easy to care for and can grow up to 6 feet tall in pots. Here are some tips on how to grow a dragon tree indoors.

• Choose a bright spot for your dragon tree, but avoid direct sunlight that can scorch its leaves. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain is ideal.
• Water your dragon tree when the top inch of the soil feels dry, but do not overwater it or let it sit in soggy soil. Dragon trees are drought-tolerant and can rot if they are too wet.
• Fertilize your dragon tree once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Do not fertilize in winter when the plant is dormant.
• Prune your dragon tree to control its size and shape. You can cut off the top of the main stem or any of the side branches to encourage new growth. The cuttings can be rooted in water or soil to propagate new plants.
• Repot your dragon tree every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is one size larger than the previous one. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and a saucer to catch excess water.

Dragon tree does not need to be repotted frequently, as it likes to be slightly root-bound. However, you should repot it every 2 to 3 years, or when you notice that the roots are growing out of the drainage holes or the soil is compacted. To repot your dragon tree, follow these steps:

• Choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current one, and has drainage holes at the bottom. Fill it with fresh potting mix and moisten it slightly.
• Gently remove the dragon tree from its old pot, and shake off any excess soil from the roots. Trim off any damaged or rotten roots with a sharp knife or scissors.
• Place the dragon tree in the center of the new pot, and spread out the roots evenly. Add more potting mix around the root ball, and press it down firmly. The soil level should be about an inch below the rim of the pot.
• Water the dragon tree thoroughly, until water drains out of the bottom. Place it in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and let it settle in its new home.

Dragon trees are sensitive to scale insects, mealybugs, and thrips despite being largely disease-resistant. Mealybugs are simple to spot since they leave behind tiny, cottony, sticky specks on the tree leaves. Additionally susceptible to the common plant pest spider mites are dragon tree plants. Although mites are very hard to spot until they have already harmed the plant, they typically arise when it is warm and the air is very dry.

Are dragon trees simple to care for?

It's a tolerant indoor plant that requires little care.

How quickly do dragon trees grow?

Dragon trees grow extremely slowly. The plant might take up to ten years to grow just a few feet tall.

How often should I water my dragon tree?

Dragon trees prefer slightly moist soil, but be careful not to overwater them. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the humidity and temperature in your home, this could be anywhere from once a week to once every few weeks. Be sure to use a well-draining pot and avoid letting your dragon tree sit in standing water.

What distinguishes a dragon tree (Dracaena draco) from a dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)?

While the leaf forms of various dragon tree kinds sometimes differ, these two dragon trees appear to be nearly identical, thus this is not the case. The interior of the leaves is where Dracaena marginata and Dracaena draco differ most. Marginata doesn't contain a crimson resin, but draco does. It is nicknamed "dragon's blood," and if you cut into the leaves, you can see it oozing out.

Growing and caring for a dragon tree indoors can be a rewarding experience for any plant lover. With the right conditions and proper maintenance, your dragon tree can thrive and add a touch of exotic beauty to your home. Remember to give it plenty of light, water it properly, and provide it with the occasional grooming to keep it looking healthy and vibrant. Enjoy watching your dragon tree grow and flourish!

SOURCES

The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.

1. Dracaena marginata - NC State University

2. Dragon Trees - Sydney J. Tanner, Chippewa Valley Master Gardener