A dragon palm can be found in almost every household. It is 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 frightening. On the contrary: its trunk is slender and extraordinarily branched. Countless lancet-like leaves, mostly brightly colored, sprout at its tips. Despite its beauty, it does not expect much attention.
Special palm soil that is well suited for the dragon tree is available in stores. But it is not a must, especially since it is more expensive than conventional potting soil.
The dragon palm is a fast growing plant that depends on fertilizer in the summer months. It is best to give this to her along with the irrigation water.
Diseases and pests are rare on a well-tended and healthy dragon tree. In the event of incorrect care and an unfavorable location, things can look very different. If watering is neglected, spider mites, scale insects or thrips will spread on it. Especially in winter, the dry heating air promotes pest infestation, which can be transmitted from one houseplant to the next at breakneck speed. You should therefore always ensure that the bale does not dry out and that the humidity is increased in winter. Examine your plants regularly so that you can recognize an infestation early on and react accordingly.
Note: Asthmatics and allergy sufferers sometimes react unpleasantly to the secretions of the dragon tree, which they ingest with the air they breathe. If you feel unwell, short of breath or sweat near it, you should say goodbye to the dragon tree.
Most famous varieties
In tropical and subtropical regions of the world, more than 50 species of the dragon palm, botanically Dracaena, are known. In the local climate they reach stately heights and are actually reminiscent of trees. Some species have made it to Central Europe, but only as houseplant and more modest in growth. The following types are offered in specialist shops and occasionally also 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, pinkish-red and cream-colored striped leaves
- Dracaena deremensis, Dracaena draco, Dracaena fragrans - all tall up to approx. 1.5 m, slight differences in leaf color and shape.
Location
In your own four walls there is one or the other free space on which a green plant can be placed decoratively. But not every place offers optimal growth conditions. Plants like it bright, so a dragon tree is also happy about a lot of light. However, it is undemanding and is content, if need be, with a partial shade. This is especially true for specimens with pure green leaves.- like brightness without direct sun
- Morning and evening sun is acceptable
- excessive sunlight will burn the leaves
- green-leaved species are content with little light
- the more colorful the leaves, the more light is required
- the optimal room temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius
- love high humidity
- bright, damp bathroom is an ideal location
Substrate
Special palm soil that is well suited for the dragon tree is available in stores. 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
- Mix in some sand, that makes the earth permeable
- Add expanded clay, gravel or lava gravel
- Parts of humus and clay are also good for the palm
Plant and repot
The first dragon palm usually brings its pot from the trade. At the beginning, the plant can be satisfied with it for a while. Over the years, however, a move to a larger root home becomes necessary. Even small dragon trees that you have grown yourself need the right pot right from the start.- the planter must be big enough
- with lots of drainage holes
- Prefer pots with an irrigation system
- Repot smaller plants every 2-3 years
- Repot large plants annually
- the new pot should be a few more inches in circumference
1. Loosen the soil on the edge of the pot. The easiest way to do this is with a blunt knife.
2. Carefully lift the palm out of the pot without damaging the roots.
3. Gently knock off the old earth.
4. Cut dead or damaged roots. The healthy roots can also be trimmed a little with the scissors.
5. Fill the new pot with some soil.
6. Put the palm in the pot, keeping the trunk straight.
7. Fill in the spaces with soil.
8. Lightly press the earth.
9. Water the dragon palm well.
to water
The Dracaena is very fond of humid environments. It is therefore happy when it is watered regularly. He thanks it with rapid growth. Excess water that collects in the coaster should be poured away as soon as possible. If the water stays longer in the saucer, the roots, which are sensitive to moisture, will soon go moldy.- water regularly
- The earth should not dry out
- no water should remain in the coaster
- water a lot from March to August
- reduce watering in winter
- Spray the dracaena with warm water in winter
- Remove dust from leaves with a damp cloth
- alternatively: rinse in the shower
- Dragon palm works well for hydroponics
- Containers with an irrigation system reduce the watering intervals enormously
Fertilize
The dragon palm is a fast growing plant that depends on fertilizer in the summer months. It is best to give this to her along 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
Cut
Dragon palms don't need pruning to develop healthily. The larger the plant grows, the more impressive its appearance. The amazed plant lover will not like to stop this development with scissors. But at some point the tree will completely fill the available space. Then at the latest it is time for a move or the scissors.- Dragon palm does not need to be cut
- however, it can be shortened without being damaged
- when the plant has grown too big
- then prune the shoot tips vigorously
- Dragon palm forms new shoots from sleeping eyes
- unsightly grown shoots may also be removed
- early spring is ideal for all pruning measures
- Cutting as a maintenance measure for denser growth
- "Behead" the dragon palm for this
Multiplication
Propagating the dragon palm is so easy that even a beginner shouldn't have any problems with it. If the desire for new palm trees is awakened, or if cut off shoots are to be used sensibly, the following “step by step” instructions will help.1. Choose a sharp knife. Sharp scissors are more suitable for thicker logs.
2. Cut the top piece from the head or Drifted off. The cut piece should be at least Be 10 cm long.
3. Seal the open interface with wax.
4. Cut off most of the leaves from the cutting. Only the top centimeter should keep leaves. So the energy is focused on root growth.
5. Place the cuttings in a water-filled vase on a bright but sun-protected window sill.
6. After 2 to 3 weeks, new roots will form on the trunk.
7. Plant the rooted cutting in a pot. Be careful not to damage the roots.
wintering
Wintering the dragon tree is uncomplicated. Usually he is allowed to stay in his usual room. Only the light intensity needs to be checked. 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 greatly reduced, the dragon tree needs appropriate care.- Dragon palm has to be warm even in winter
- dry heating air is harmful to 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-tended and healthy dragon tree. In the event of incorrect care and an unfavorable location, things can look very different. If watering is neglected, spider mites, scale insects or thrips will spread on it. Especially in winter, the dry heating air promotes pest infestation, which can be transmitted from one houseplant to the next at breakneck speed. You should therefore always ensure that the bale does not dry out and that the humidity is increased in winter. Examine your plants regularly so that you can recognize an infestation early on and react accordingly. Diseases
The lower leaves regularly turn brown, wither and eventually fall off. This is part of the growth process and is not a cause for concern, provided that new leaves keep growing. If, on the other hand, the tips of the leaves are dry and brown, this is a clear sign that something is wrong.- too low humidity
- the substrate is too dry
- too quick relocation
- Touching them in passing can also damage the tips
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 again immediately. The risk is therefore small that the saponins end up in the digestive tract, where they are not well absorbed anyway. The dragon tree is more poisonous for animals. The saponins can damage the mucous membranes and red blood cells. Dogs and cats seem to be particularly sensitive to this. They must be kept away from it as they like to nibble on plants when bored. While the large animals avoid poisonous plants due to the appropriate education, small puppies and kittens are more at risk. They must not have 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
- Foam in the mouth
- Drowsiness and convulsions
- fever
Note: Asthmatics and allergy sufferers sometimes react unpleasantly to the secretions of the dragon tree, which they ingest with the air they breathe. If you feel unwell, short of breath or sweat near it, you should say goodbye to the dragon tree.