Dragon Tree.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Light

Bright indirect light is best, though it tolerates lower light levels.

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

Up to 3 meters tall indoors.

Growth rate

Slow

Hardiness

USDA 10 to 12

Bloom time

Rarely blooms indoors, but may produce small white flowers in late spring.

Care

Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Watch for brown leaf tips, which often indicate low humidity or tap water sensitivity. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them free of dust.

Watering

Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Pruning

Trim back the stems in spring if the plant becomes too leggy.

Repotting

Repot only when the roots have filled the container.

Soil

Well draining potting mix.

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.0

Temperature

15 to 27°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, can live for decades with proper care.

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

The leaves contain saponins which are toxic to humans and pets if chewed or swallowed.

Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

Children

Keep this plant out of reach of small children as the leaves are a choking hazard and toxic if eaten.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Airborne allergens

There are no notable airborne allergens associated with this plant.

Edibility

This plant is not for consumption and can cause significant digestive distress if ingested.

How to identify it

• Slender woody stems
• Spiky arching leaves
• Red margins on green leaves
• Palm like growth habit

Height

1.8 to 3m

Spread

0.6 to 1.2m

Leaves

green, red, purple, evergreen

Flowers

white, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

• Brown Leaf EdgesCommon
• Root RotCommon
• Spider MitesCommon
• Fungus GnatsUncommon
• Leaf DropUncommon
• MealybugsUncommon
• Scale InsectsUncommon
• ThripsUncommon

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, air layering

When to plant

spring, summer

Overwintering

Move the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering during the winter months as growth slows down.

In containers

It thrives in containers and prefers a pot that is just slightly larger than its root ball.

Group plants with similar water needs to make your care routine much easier.

Grows well with

• Peace Lily — They share similar light and moisture requirements.
• Snake Plant — Both are low maintenance and look great together.

Similar species

• Corn Plant — It has broader leaves and a similar growth habit.

Science

Family

Asparagaceae

Genus

Dracaena

Order

Asparagales

Class

Liliopsida

Native range

Madagascar

Conservation

Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as a shrub in dry, rocky areas where it thrives in well drained soil.

Uses

indoor accent plant, air purification, office greenery

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaf tips turning brown?

This is usually caused by low humidity or fluoride in tap water.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top 5 cm of soil feels dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek word drakaina, meaning female dragon, referring to the red resin that bleeds from the stems.

Good to know

• It is often called the Madagascar dragon tree.
• The thin, woody stems can be braided for a unique look.
• It is incredibly tolerant of low light conditions.
• The red edges on the leaves intensify with brighter light.

Also in

• Plants toxic to cats and dogs