Fertilize dragon tree: when, how and with what?

In order for the dragon tree to remain as a houseplant for a long time, the right fertilization is required. We show what you have to consider when fertilizing the dragon tree.

Green indoor plants are back in fashion. what next monstera, Maranta & Co. should not be missing in any apartment is the so-called dragon tree (dracaena). Despite its palm-like appearance, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagales). There are about 50 different species within the genus, but only the smaller ones find a place with us as houseplants. The dragon lily, as the plant is also known, only rarely blooms in our homes, but it convinces with its vigor and its beautifully variegated leaves in green, white or Red. In order for your dragon tree to thrive, it must absorb sufficient water and nutrients. However, the substrate in the pot is limited, which is why you should fertilize your dragon tree regularly so that there are no deficiency symptoms and you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time.

As a rule, dragon trees are relatively frugal and easy to care for. Nevertheless, there are a few aspects to consider when supplying houseplants with nutrients. We will explain below when and with what you should best fertilize your dragon tree.

When is the dragon tree fertilized?

In addition to a sunny to half-shady location, dragon trees prefer a slightly acidic substrate (pH value between 6 and 7). Commercially available potting soil is usually very suitable for cultivating dragon trees. If necessary, you can also mix the selected substrate with some peat or coffee grounds to ensure optimal conditions. When planting, it is also advisable to work some fertilizer granules into the soil.

The greatest growth of the dragon tree takes place from March to August. During this period, it should therefore be fertilized regularly. You can administer a liquid fertilizer with the irrigation water every two weeks. However, you should definitely pay attention to the correct dosage in order to avoid over-fertilization. For dragon trees, the principle applies: less is sometimes more. A better and also more sustainable alternative to liquid mineral fertilizers are fertilizers with an organic long-term effect like ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer. These only have to be administered every few months, as they continue to supply nutrients even after a long period of time due to the ongoing decomposition by microorganisms.

In the winter months, the dragon tree usually does not grow as much due to the lower radiation intensity and therefore hardly needs any nutrients. If the dragon tree is cool in winter, you can completely do without fertilization. However, if the plant continues to be cultivated at normal room temperature, it is advisable to continue giving it a small dose of fertilizer every few months. Spring (February) is the best time to repot the dragon tree, and fresh substrate ensures that the plant has enough nutrients available again. In addition, repotting loosens the soil and improves permeability.

Recognizing deficiency symptoms in the dragon tree

If the leaves of the dragon tree discolour, this can have very different causes: Excessive solar radiation, waterlogging, fungal diseases, pest or bacterial infestation. A combination of different causes is also possible. If your dragon tree is dropping its leaves, it is probably due to a lack of water. However, if the dragon tree suffers from a nutrient deficiency, this usually manifests itself in the discoloration of the leaves or in the stunted growth of newly developing leaves. The main problem with dragon trees is an iron deficiency. The leaves turn yellowish, while the leaf veins remain conspicuously green. However, this deficiency can be counteracted by administering a commercially available liquid fertilizer that contains sufficient iron. It is best to also check the pH value of the substrate, because iron absorption changes (and worsens) as the pH value increases towards the basic range.

When is the dragon tree fertilized?

• Work some fertilizer granules into the substrate when planting
• Fertilize regularly between March and August
• Apply liquid fertilizer about every two weeks
• Apply fertilizer with an organic long-term effect about every three months
• Fertilize little or not at all in winter
• Repot in spring and change the substrate
• Watch out for deficiencies

What is the best way to fertilize the dragon tree?

You have a variety of options to choose from for the optimal supply of nutrients to your dragon tree. Below we go into the advantages and disadvantages of organic and mineral fertilizers. We also introduce you to some proven home remedies for fertilization.

Fertilize dragon tree organically: instructions

If you have your own compost from the garden or from a worm box, you can use this to fertilize the dragon tree. It is best to mix the mature compost into the potting soil when repotting in spring. If you don't have such a natural fertilizer ready, an organic fertilizer with an organic long-term effect like ours will do Plantura organic universal fertilizer the right choice. From a sustainable point of view, there are many reasons for using a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect.

What are the advantages of an organic fertilizer with an organic long-term effect?

• Long-term nutrient supply for the dragon tree through ongoing decomposition via microorganisms in the soil
• Improving the structural quality of the substrate
• By dispensing with chemicals, it is particularly gentle on plants, people and animals

Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is a plant-based long-term fertilizer made primarily from organic raw materials. It contains all the important nutrients your dragon tree needs to grow. The high proportion of nitrogen promotes plant growth and leaf formation. The phosphorus and potassium it contains are important for the cell structure and water balance of the plant, among other things. With needs-based fertilization, it is of course not just about the right composition, but also about the optimal dosage of nutrients. So that you can provide your dragon tree with the right amount of fertilizer, we have prepared detailed instructions for you below.

Organic long-term fertilization: instructions & dosage amounts for dragon trees

1. When planting about 3 to 5 g per liter of pot volume (1 to 2 teaspoons) of ours Plantura organic universal fertilizer easily incorporated into the soil
2. Water the newly inserted dragon tree well so that the granules can loosen
3. Fertilize 2 to 5 g per liter of pot volume (1 to 2 teaspoons) about every three months to optimally support the dragon tree in its development

Pro tip: If you prefer to use liquid fertilizer, you can simply dissolve the fertilizer granules in a little water and then give it to your dragon tree over the irrigation water.

Fertilize the dragon tree with minerals

Mineral liquid fertilizers are very popular for supplying indoor plants, as the nutrients they contain are in their pure form and are therefore directly available to the plant. However, the fertilizing effect is usually only short-lived and replenishment must be provided regularly. In addition, due to the easy solubility of the nutrient salts in dragon trees, over-fertilization can quickly occur. Although organic fertilizers work much more slowly than mineral fertilizers, since they only have to be broken down by microorganisms, but they promote the development of your dragon tree more sustainably and also improve the structural condition of the tree substrate.

Fertilize dragon tree with coffee grounds and co

Maybe you've heard of houseplants fertilize with coffee grounds can. In fact, the actual waste product still contains some vital plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The sour coffee grounds are also ideal for dragon trees because they help to regulate the pH value in the To keep the substrate in the acidic range, although regularly with calcareous tap water, for example is poured. It is best to collect the brew and dry it so that mold does not form during storage. Then, every few months, sprinkle some of the powder around the plant and work it lightly into the soil. You can also dilute smaller amounts with water and administer over the irrigation water.

Another fertilizer tip, which should be questioned, is watering with unsalted cooking water from potatoes. The potato water should be collected after the cooking process and used for watering when it has cooled down. However, there is little information on the nutrient content of this fertilizer method. In general, exclusive fertilization with home remedies is not recommended, it is best to fertilize additionally with a primarily organic fertilizer to meet the nutrient requirements of your dragon tree will.

What needs to be considered when watering, cutting and repotting, we explain to you in our special article on Care of the dragon tree.

In addition to your dragon tree, do other plants also want to be supplied with nutrients? A comprehensive article on the subject Fertilize indoor plants you'll find here.