Dragon blood tree.

At a glance

Care level

Difficult

Plant type

Succulent tree

Light

Full sun

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 14 to 30 days

Mature size

30 feet

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Early to mid spring

Care

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and ensure the soil drains very quickly to prevent rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often indicate too much moisture in the root zone. Keep the environment warm and dry to mimic its natural habitat.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.

Feeding

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season.

Pruning

Only prune to remove dead or damaged branches to maintain its natural shape.

Repotting

Repot only when the plant becomes severely root bound as it prefers tight spaces.

Soil

Well draining sandy or rocky soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Temperature

10 to 35°C

Humidity

20 to 50%

Drought tolerance

High

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for hundreds of years.

Deer and rabbits

High

Safety

People

The plant contains saponins which can cause digestive upset if ingested.

Pets

This plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep away from small children as the stiff, pointed leaves can cause scratches.

Contact allergens

The resin may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

There is no significant evidence of airborne allergens.

Edibility

The sap and plant parts are not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

• Distinctive dense umbrella shaped canopy
• Thick succulent trunk and branches
• Stiff sword shaped evergreen leaves
• Produces dark red resinous sap
• Small fragrant white or green flowers

Height

6 to 10m

Spread

5 to 8m

Leaves

dark green, blue green, evergreen

Flowers

white, greenish, 0.5 to 1cm

Fruit

orange, red, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

• Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
• MealybugsCommon
• Root RotCommon
• Leaf DropUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon
• Spider MitesUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, early summer

Overwintering

Protect from freezing temperatures and keep the plant in a dry, bright location during winter months.

In containers

It is not well suited for containers due to its massive size and slow growth rate.

Group with other slow growing succulents that require minimal water and excellent drainage.

Grows well with

• Aloe — They share similar drought tolerant requirements and native habitats.

Similar species

• Dragon Tree — It shares a similar growth habit and resinous properties.

Science

Family

Asparagaceae

Genus

Dracaena

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Socotra archipelago, Yemen

Conservation

This species is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and climate change in its native range.

It survives in arid, rocky mountain environments by capturing moisture from clouds through its dense canopy.

Value to wildlife

provides habitat for endemic birds

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Uses

ornamental specimen, traditional resin source

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this indoors?

It is extremely difficult to maintain indoors due to its need for intense light and specific airflow.

How often should I water it?

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between sessions.

Where the name comes from

The name Dracaena comes from the Greek word for female dragon, referring to the red resin, while cinnabari refers to the color of that resin.

Good to know

• The red resin is historically known as dragon's blood.
• It is endemic to the Socotra archipelago in Yemen.
• The tree is adapted to survive on mountain mist.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs
• Drought-tolerant plants
• Deer-resistant plants