Cambodian dragon tree care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Cambodian dragon tree

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

It handles dryness well, so as a guide water thoroughly two to three days after the topsoil dries.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

Once it cools, water roughly four to five days after the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Water sparingly about a week after the soil has dried.

Light and placement for Cambodian dragon tree

Generally best by a bright window with light through a sheer curtain; the narrow leaves like plenty of light and droop and dull in a dark spot, and it takes midsummer sun if acclimated gradually.

Overwintering Cambodian dragon tree

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

As a guide, bring it to a bright spot indoors when nights drop below about 10°C; it takes around 5°C if kept fairly dry, away from cold windows and heater drafts.

Fertilizing and repotting Cambodian dragon tree

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September is generally enough; a plant of dry country, it needs little and too much harms the roots, so none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Cambodian dragon tree

• Overwatering rots the roots and the leaves yellow and fall.
• Kept in a dim spot, the leaves droop and the stems grow thin and weak.
• Cold at a winter window kills the leaf tips.

Tips for growing Cambodian dragon tree

• Often sold with a curved trunk; rotate the pot so it gets light evenly.
• Losing lower leaves over time is natural as the trunk grows.
• If it grows too tall, cut the trunk in spring and new shoots appear below the cut.

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