Dragon Tree Care Guide: How to Grow a Dragon Tree at Home

Dracaena marginata, also known as a dragon tree, is a popular houseplant characterized by spiky green leaves with variegated red edges. The dragon tree is native to Madagascar, from which it receives the common name, the “Madagascar dragon tree.” Dragon trees can grow up to 20 feet tall outside in warm climates but often grow to about six feet tall when grown indoors. Dragon trees are popular indoor plants that are low-maintenance and don’t require a lot of watering because they are drought-tolerant.

Dragon trees should be planted inside if you do not live in a naturally warm and humid climate. They thrive in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. You can keep them outside if you live in an area with warm summers, but they should be brought inside when temperatures dip below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but their leaves may burn if they are left in hot, direct sunlight for too long.

Propagation from stem cuttings is the easiest way to grow new dragon tree plants. Here is an overview of how to plant a dragon tree from cuttings from another tree.

1. 1. Make your cuttings. Cut a piece of a dragon tree stem that is about eight inches in length. Make your cutting in spring or summer when the tree is thriving.
2. 2. Put your cuttings in water. Submerge the piece of stem into a glass of water, making sure that none of its lower leaves are touching water. Place your glass of water in a bright-—but not directly sunlit—area and wait. Change your water twice a week to prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungus. When you begin to see roots appear, (usually in about three weeks) it is ready to be potted.
3. 3. Prepare your soil. Dragon trees prefer loamy, well-draining soil. Make sure to choose a potting mix to suit this soil preference, and loosen it up before planting to ensure that it drains well. You can also mix gravel into the mix to help the soil drain and prevent root rot.
4. 4. Choose your container. Fill a medium-sized pot with your prepared soil. As it gets larger, you may need to re-pot the plant to accommodate its growing roots. Make sure to place the pot somewhere that doesn’t receive too much direct sunlight, which might dry out your plant.
5. 5. Plant your cutting. Plant your stem cutting in the container with your prepared potting soil. Water immediately, and after that, monitor the first few inches of soil for dryness. Until your dragon tree feels firm in its soil, keep the leaves and base of the stem slightly moist to the touch at all times. You can reduce your watering to every three weeks once your plant is established. Give your plant the humidity it needs by occasionally misting it.

Dragon trees are relatively low-maintenance and quick growers. With the right care, they can grow from six to 20 feet high. Here are some tips that may help you care for your dragon tree plant.

1. 1. Watch out for yellowing leaves and pests. Monitor your plant for signs of overwatering (like brown tips on its leaves), underwatering (like yellow leaves), and other issues. Keep a lookout for mealybugs and spider mites, because dragon trees are prone to these pests.
2. 2. Water your dragon tree sparingly. Once your dragon tree is established, it will only need to be watered every three weeks or so. In the fall and wintertime, dragon trees will require less regular watering, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
3. 3. Consider pruning your dragon tree. Although dracaena trees do not require much pruning, you can control the height and size of your plant as you see fit. Cut away its main stems at 45-degree angles to achieve your desired height, and you should start to see new leaves in up to two months.
4. 4. Monitor the light that they receive. Dragon trees can adjust to low-light conditions, but they thrive in bright, indirect light. If you begin to notice wilted leaves, move your plant to different light conditions.

Dragon trees are poisonous to dogs and cats. If your pet ingests the leaves of a dragon tree, they may exhibit symptoms like fatigue, weakness, vomiting, facial swelling, and more. If you have pets, do not keep a dragon tree in your house in a place where they can eat them.

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