Dragon tree care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Dragon tree

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 10 days

Water thoroughly only after the soil has dried through, as a guide; it handles drought well but rots in soil that stays wet.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 14 days

As it cools, water about a week after the soil dries.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 30 days

Keep it nearly dry, moistening the soil lightly about once a month on a mild day.

Light and placement for Dragon tree

Generally wants full sun, outdoors in the open or indoors at a sunny window; too little light makes the leaves droop and the trunk weak, and it takes summer sun well once acclimated, though a sudden move outside scorches it.

Overwintering Dragon tree

Overwintering guide: 0°C (32°F) or above

The hardiest of the dracaenas, taking around 0°C when kept dry; as a guide, keep pots out of frost under the eaves or at a sunny spot indoors, and give almost no water in winter.

Fertilizing and repotting Dragon tree

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; it grows very slowly and generally needs only a little, with none in winter.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Dragon tree

• Overwatering rots the roots; the leaves yellow and the trunk wobbles.
• In a dim room the leaves droop and the plant stretches out of shape.
• Frost browns and kills the leaves.

Tips for growing Dragon tree

• It grows very slowly, so move it up only one pot size, and only once the roots fill the pot.
• Outdoors in full sun from spring to autumn, it develops a thick, sturdy trunk.
• A wound oozes red sap; that is a trait of the species, not a disease.

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