Dragon Tree

Dracaena dracoAlso known as: Dragon Blood Tree, Canary Islands Dragon Tree

Dragon Tree is a slow-growing, sculptural tree with thick, trunk-like stems crowned with rosettes of sword-shaped, blue-green leaves. Native to the Canary Islands, it can reach 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) indoors over many years. Known for producing red 'dragon's blood' resin when its bark is cut.

Easy Care

Bright Indirect Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Bright Indirect Light

Temperature Range
50-85°F (10-29°C)

Ideal Temp
70°F (21°C)

Toxic to Pets

This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets, or consider pet-safe alternatives. Symptoms of ingestion may include drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 10-14 days, when top half of soil is dry
Summer	Every 7-10 days
Fall	Every 14-21 days
Winter	Every 21-28 days

Drought-tolerant. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Brown leaf tips often indicate overwatering.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer
Summer	Monthly
Fall	No fertilizing needed
Winter	No fertilizing needed

Light feeder. Excessive fertilizing can cause leaf tip burn.

Pruning

Frequency: Rarely needed

Best Season: Spring

Remove dead or damaged leaves at base. Mature plants can be topped to encourage branching.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 3-4 years

Best Season: Spring

Very slow grower - rarely needs repotting. Use well-draining potting mix.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings allowed to callous
Air layering for larger plants
Seed propagation (very slow)

Common Problems

Brown leaf tips: Usually overwatering, fluoride in water, or low humidity
Yellow leaves: Overwatering or natural shedding of lower leaves
Soft trunk: Root rot from overwatering - reduce water immediately
Slow growth: Normal - this is a very slow-growing plant

Pro Tips

Extremely slow grower - patience is key
Very drought-tolerant once established
Historical significance - sap was used as medicine and dye
Can live for centuries in the wild

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