Caring for the dragon tree: Water and cut properly

click fraud protection

If a dragon tree is not cared for properly, it quickly loses its charm as a houseplant. That's why we have all the helpful care tips for you.

Striped dracaena white background
We'll show you how your dragon tree stays beautiful for a long time [Photo: NokHoOkNoi/ Shutterstock.com]

the dragon tree (dracaena) is a very frugal houseplant that is satisfied with little attention. However, there are things you need to keep in mind when caring for your dragon tree to keep it happy. We will tell you which care measures you should not forget and give valuable tips.

contents

  • Watering the dragon tree: how often and how much?
  • Fertilize dragon tree: how often and how much?
  • Repot dragon tree
  • cut dragon tree

The care of the dragon tree is essentially limited to watering, fertilizing, cutting and repotting. In the following section we explain when the right time is for the steps mentioned and what you should consider when carrying them out.

Watering the dragon tree: how often and how much?

The dragon tree needs a constant supply of moisture. Due to its original origin from tropical and subtropical areas, it is used to relatively constant conditions all year round, which is also reflected in its water requirements. However, the roots of the dragon tree are very sensitive to waterlogging. To avoid this, do a finger test before watering and feel how much moisture is still in the soil.

Dracaena watering with watering can
The dragon tree should be watered regularly [Photo: Olga_Anourina/ Shutterstock.com]

Fertilize dragon tree: how often and how much?

The dragon tree only needs regular fertilization in the phase of greatest growth (March to August). An organic fertilizer that provides nutrients over a long period of time is best suited for this. Furthermore, organic fertilizers have a great influence on the structural properties of the plant substrate positive, resulting in good permeability, water supply and the avoidance of waterlogging contributes. the Plantura organic universal fertilizer offers just the right ratio of ingredients for the vigorous growth of your dragon tree. Due to its fine grain structure, it can simply be placed on the surface of the potting soil without being worked into it. By watering lightly, you can ensure that the nutrients are dissolved more quickly and get to the roots. However, organic fertilizers can only be used in normal culture, in hydroponics you still have to use liquid fertilizers.

More information about Fertilizing Your Dragon Tree you'll find here.

Caution: If you mean too well, you can quickly damage your dragon tree, as it is very sensitive to over-fertilization. The principle “less is more” should therefore be taken into account.

Dracaena marginata in soil with fertilizer
You should only fertilize the dragon tree during the growth phase [Photo: TippyTortue/ Shutterstock.com]

Repot dragon tree

The dragon tree is a plant where regular repotting makes sense. On the one hand, the soil is loosened by the substrate exchange and thus the permeability for air and water is increased. On the other hand, the root ball grows with the above-ground part of the dragon tree, which is why your dragon tree will be happy about a larger planter when repotting. More details on Repot dragon tree can be found in our special article.

Dragon tree with pots
After the first few years, the dragon tree should be repotted regularly [Photo: GoodMood Photo/ Shutterstock.com]

cut dragon tree

Basically, a dragon tree can do without regular pruning. If you no longer like the branching, there will be more dry or wilted leaves down or your darling just grows over your head, you can use it without any problems cut back.

The best time to prune a dragon tree is early spring. Your dragon tree is then about to reach its greatest growth phase and can quickly compensate for the biomass lost through the cut. Basically, a cut can also be carried out at any other time of the year if the circumstances require it. We offer detailed instructions in our special article on the Dragon Tree Cutting.

Dragon tree close
Seal the cut with some wax after cutting [Photo: TippyTortue/ Shutterstock.ocm]

Especially in the office, people like to use easy-care plants. In this article you will find an overview of the best ones office plantsthat require little maintenance.

Sign up to our newsletter

Pellentesque dui, non felis. Maecenas male