Madagascar dragon tree care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Madagascar dragon tree

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly about two to three days after the topsoil dries, until it drains from the bottom.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 10 days

As it cools, wait roughly four to five days after the soil dries before watering.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 14 days

Water sparingly about a week after the soil dries, and mist the leaves if heating dries the air.

Light and placement for Madagascar dragon tree

Generally happiest in bright light through a sheer curtain; it puts up with some shade, but a dark spot makes the leaves droop and the stems thin, and midsummer sun scorches the leaves.

Overwintering Madagascar dragon tree

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

As a guide, bring it to a bright spot indoors once nights fall below about 10°C; it takes around 5°C, but keep it off cold windowsills and water sparingly so the soil stays on the dry side.

Fertilizing and repotting Madagascar dragon tree

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; it needs less than its leafiness suggests, and overfeeding browns the leaf tips, so feed lightly and give none from October on.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Madagascar dragon tree

• Overwatering rots the roots; the lower leaves yellow and drop one after another.
• Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air and the leaves brown from the tips.
• Winter cold makes the leaves droop and damages the growing tips.

Tips for growing Madagascar dragon tree

• When it gets tall, cut the cane at any height in spring and new shoots break below the cut.
• The cut tops root in water or soil.
• A slow loss of lower leaves is natural as the cane grows taller.

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