The dragon tree loves the sun and likes it very warm all year round. It is not hardy and has to be indoors to overwinter if it is outside in the summer.
Not a typical garden plant
Dracaena, as the dragon tree is officially called, is actually not a typical garden plant here. It is also seldom planted directly outdoors, but is more likely to be found in planters, which are then usually on the terrace. He then spends the summer there and especially enjoys the sun. With the end of summer approaching, it must be brought into the apartment, as it is not cold or cold. tolerates cool temperatures.
Tip: If temperatures of a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius threaten in late summer, Dracaena should definitely be brought into the house and sent there to hibernate.
Ideal temperatures
Almost all types of the dragon tree feel most comfortable when they are consistently warm all year round
Temperatures prevail. The ideal range is between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. This also explicitly applies to the winter months.Tip: It is essential to ensure that the temperature in the apartment does not fall below 18 degrees Celsius. Under no circumstances should it be cooler than 15 degrees Celsius at times.
Dracaena is very sensitive to temperatures that are too low. This can usually be seen very well, as he then quickly lets the leaves hang. True, there are also types of dragon trees that even have low temperatures of around ten degrees Celsius can get along well, but these species are the exceptions and certainly not Rule. As soon as a dragon tree lets its leaves hang down in the apartment, action should be taken and the temperature increased. The following applies in general: Old specimens that have a particularly thick trunk also come
with low temperatures surprisingly well to the edge.Ideal location
The perfect location for Dracaena in the apartment is of course a window sill on a south-facing window. Even in winter, the plant should get as much sun as possible. However, it is essential to ensure that the leaves do not get sunburn. In addition, the dragon tree should always stand at a certain distance from the window pane and be able to unfold without its leaves touching the pane.
Sun is also very important for the plant when it is overwintered, but it should only be exposed to it in moderation.
Tip: The plant always aligns its growth in the direction of the sun. In order to be able to achieve as even growth as possible, it should therefore be turned over and over again.
Proper care
Dracaena is not hardy, but it also needs to be cared for during the winter months. The following activities in particular must be adapted to the changed conditions:
Fertilize
The dragon tree should not be fertilized at all during hibernation. The nutrients in the soil are usually completely sufficient to adequately feed the plant
supply.to water
On the other hand, it looks different with casting. A regular water supply is of great importance for the plant even in winter. However, it should always be poured very moderately. The best way to do this is to check the soil around the root area by hand every day:
- rub some earth between two fingers,
- if it feels crumbly or dusty, it's time to water.
Tip: The dragon tree only has to be watered when the soil around the roots has been removed or removed. has dried on. Even then, it makes sense to only give moderate amounts of water.
After the winter
When winter finally comes to an end, Dracaena can of course be returned to the open air. However, it is important that there is no longer any threat of night frosts. Normally this should be the case from May onwards. Since the plant is not winter hardy, it would definitely not tolerate frost and it would perish. The plant pots with the dragon trees should ideally be placed on a terrace. The location may
- have a lot of sun
- but shouldn't stand in the blazing midday sun.
It also has to be somewhat sheltered from the wind so as not to endanger the plant.
Tip: After overwintering, the best way to get the dragon tree used to outdoor life is to first put it on the terrace for a few hours each day.