Although the dragon tree cannot be cultivated outdoors in Central Europe due to its rather warm temperature requirements, it is one of the most popular indoor plants. Depending on the botanical classification of certain subspecies, the group of dragon trees includes between about 50 and 150 subspecies, although strictly speaking these asparagus plants are not trees at all.

Dragon tree is not the same as dragon tree

Differences between different types of dragon tree

In the plant trade, a few standard varieties are usually offered as potted specimens for the home, all of which are characterized by relatively compact growth. Overall, the differences between dragon tree species are primarily in the following areas:

  • light tolerance
  • shape and size of the leaves
  • formation of flowers
  • tolerance of cooler temperatures
  • Color drawing of the leaves

The dragon trees, which have leaves all year round, are not only available with fresh green leaves, but also with light-edged or reddish leaves. It should be noted that dragon trees with little green in the leaves tolerate more direct sunlight than green-leaved varieties. This is due to the different chlorophyll content of the leaves.

Dracaena fragrans

Dracaena fragrans is a very commonly cultivated species of dragon tree. This subspecies is also characterized by the fact that even comparatively young plants can produce intensely fragrant flowers if the right care conditions are in place. Dracaena fragrans has glossy green leaves and is often commercially available in hydroponics.

Dracaena draco

This dragon tree is also known as the "Canarian dragon tree" because of its natural distribution area. The sword-shaped leaves have a reddish edge and initially grow upright before slowly sloping downwards. Without pruning, this species reaches a height of about 160 centimeters in the room.

Dracaena deremensis

The various cultivars of Dracaena deremensis all have green leaves with different stripes of white. They are characterized by particularly broad and rather short leaves, resulting in leaf rosettes that are particularly aesthetic.

Dracaena marginata

The frequently offered Dracaena marginata is particularly insensitive to care errors. The dark green leaves of this dragon tree species, which grows up to 200 centimeters high, have a reddish edge and fluctuating temperature and light conditions are tolerated relatively well.

Dracaena surculosa

This subspecies of the dragon tree is not so easy to recognize as such at first glance. After all, the clump-like growth of the rather thin plant stalks is more reminiscent of a bamboo species than other varieties of the dragon tree. This plant species comes from tropical Africa and needs temperatures of at least 15 degrees Celsius all year round. The leaves, which have a varying degree of spotting, are relatively wide and fresh green when they shoot, later becoming a little darker. This dragon tree can be propagated not only by cuttings, but also by division when repotting.

tips

Simply create a small, low-maintenance subtropical "forest" in your room by placing different types of dragon trees in pots close together. Make sure, however, that the location is protected from cool drafts, dry heating air and strong, direct sunlight all year round.

Category:

Indoor plants