Cutting the dragon tree: timing & procedure

If the dragon tree loses its shape, it is time for a pruning, just as if you want to propagate it. We show what has to be considered.

Basically comes a Dragon tree (Dracaena) even without a regular cut. If you don't like the branching anymore, more dry or withered leaves hang or if your darling just grows over your head, you can do it without any problems cut back. We explain what you have to consider when pruning a dragon tree.

Dragon tree: when to cut?

The best time to cut the dragon tree is at the beginning of spring. Your dragon tree is about to reach the phase of greatest growth and has enough strength to sprout again quickly after the pruning measure. In this way, the biomass lost through the cut can be quickly compensated. Basically: A cut can also be carried out at any other time of the year, if it the circumstances demand - but then it can take much longer with the new, branching shoot last.

Pruning and propagating the dragon tree

Another purpose that can be fulfilled by cutting the dragon tree is its propagation via cuttings. The dragon tree cuttings can be obtained using several methods. For one, you can take cuttings directly from the trunk of the Dracaena cut, on the other hand also remove so-called crown cuttings from the shoots.

How to proceed: Cut 15 to 20 cm long pieces from the trunk of your dragon tree, or separate them Completely remove the corolla from the plant and cut it off on both sides so that one end is straight arises.

One third of the freshly cut cuttings are placed in a pot with a permeable substrate that is explicitly suitable for cuttings. A high quality substrate like our Plantura Organic herb & sowing soil protects the reproduction from fungal attack and death. It is essential to take into account the original direction of growth of the shoot - what was once on top must also point upwards on the cutting. Only in this way can new growth take place in the right direction. Immediately after inserting the cuttings, moisten the plant substrate thoroughly and penetratingly so that there is a good water supply.

Attention: It is essential to use vessels with drainage holes for the propagation of cuttings, so that the excess water, which accrues during the penetrating watering, can run off.

After you have placed the cuttings in the well-moistened soil, cover the pot with a perforated foil and place it in a warm, sunny place. Rooting is accelerated by the higher temperatures under the film. After three to four weeks, your dragon tree cuttings should be rooted enough to be ready for repotting in a larger container. It is best to use a more nutrient-rich soil like our peat-free Plantura Organic universal soil.

Note: Alternatively, you can also let the cuttings take root in the water. However, caution is advised when repotting your dragon tree, as the newly grown roots can break off very quickly.

Cutting the dragon tree: Instructions in 4 steps

A dragon tree is extremely robust and is very willing to sprout again after it has been cut. Therefore, the dragon tree can be cut off at almost any point without endangering the continued existence of the plant. We give step-by-step instructions on how to proceed correctly.

1. Select a place where you want to cut your dragon tree. As mentioned earlier, you can use your Dracaena prune almost all parts of the tree. The more shoots that are retained after pruning, the stronger the branching and the more new shoots are formed.
2. Use a sharp knife or fine saw to get a smooth cut surface.
   Caution: Do not use blunt rose shears or the like. The dragon tree must not be crushed.
3. Seal the interface with wax to prevent unnecessary evaporation and to create a barrier for pathogens.
4. Finally, place your dragon tree in a warm, sunny place to support growth so that the cut biomass can be quickly compensated for.