The dragon tree is a popular houseplant with a variety of different dragon tree species. We present the most popular and beautiful types.
Of the Dragon tree (Dracaena) shows up in over fifty different ways. The genus belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is widespread. The appearance of the dragon tree varies in size, leaf shape and color. We list the most popular and beautiful types for you and name special features.
"Contents"
- Dracaena reflexa
- Dracaena deremensis
- Dracaena compacta
- Dracaena fragans
- Dracaena draco
- Dracaena surculosa
- Dragon tree as a bonsai?
Dracaena reflexa
It is probably the most popular species among the dragon trees. The appearance of Dracaena reflexa With its long, tapering, mostly two-tone leaves, it is synonymous with the dragon tree genus. Until recently, the species was called Dracaena marginata designated. Meanwhile represents Dracaena marginata only a subspecies of Dracaena reflexa whose subspecies differ in the leaf color.
Dracaena deremensis
This species is noticeable for its relatively broad leaves, which are usually lined with a light border. The slightly dull to glossy leaves in the first leaf section tend to stand upright, while they drop slightly towards the tip. The height of the Dracaena deremensis is in the range 80 to 100 cm.
Dracaena compacta
Dracaena compacta, even Pineapple Dracaena called, is in reality not a species in itself, but a breed that belongs to the species Dracaena deremensis comes from. It is characterized by its deep green and dense foliage, which is increasingly upright. The height of this cultivation varies in the space from 80 to 90cm.
By the way: In the 1970s, NASA experimented with this dragon tree variety and demonstrated that it effectively cleans the air in the room. However, the other types and varieties do the same, which is why they have long been a long-runner in our living rooms.
Dracaena fragans
The kind Dracaena fragans is also a very popular dragon tree species and can be found in many living rooms. With the right care and at the right temperatures, it will even develop a strong, fragrant flower - but that rarely works. The leaves are slightly bulbous, shiny and often variegated green.
Tip:Dracaena fragans can also be grown wonderfully in hydroponics. For allergy sufferers in particular, not using soil as a plant substrate can offer many advantages. In addition, the risk of waterlogging is reduced.
Dracaena draco
The subspecies Dracaena draco is often referred to as the Canarian dragon tree because it can also be found outdoors in the subtropical climate of the Canary Islands. Dracaena draco is more of an exotic species in German living rooms. This species is characterized by its long, sword-shaped leaves, which are lined with reddish variegated edges. Dracaena draco reaches heights of up to 1.60 m.
Dracaena surculosa
Visually, this species is a little exotic among the dragon trees. Dracaena surculosa looks more like a small bamboo due to its growth shape. The origins of this species are in the tropical regions of Africa, which is why it Dracaena surculosa still likes to be warm today. The temperature should always be above 15 ° C. The leaves are comparatively broad with a mottled speckled pattern.
Dragon tree as a bonsai?
At first glance, the dragon tree is not suitable as a bonsai material, as it develops relatively large leaves in proportion to its height. Therefore it is difficult to create the illusion of a miniature tree (or a miniature palm) despite its short trunk. The advantage, however, is that you don't have to start with a very young specimen if you want to grow a dragon tree bonsai. Even at an advanced stage of growth, the dragon tree can tolerate a radical shortening of the trunk so that you can cut it back to the desired size.
Dragon trees are very decorative and add value to every apartment. But what about the toxicity of the houseplant. In our article "Dragon tree: poisonous or not?”You can find out more about this topic.
