The so-called dragon tree (Dracaena) is usually available as a houseplant in specialist shops. Since this plant does not tolerate frost, it must be cultivated indoors at least in winter and then sometimes surprises with a sudden flowering.

As a houseplant, the dragon tree rarely blooms

Flowers are relatively rare for dragon trees indoors

Many hobby and indoor gardeners are sometimes surprised that the dragon tree can even flower. As with almost all other plants, seed formation for propagation is also possible with the dragon tree, but the extraction of rooted offshoots from cuttings is more important for offspring. When cultivated indoors, dragon trees do not bloom at all in many cases, which is why the racemose shape of the inflorescences is only known to comparatively few people. A dragon tree blossom can be all the more astonishing, since an enormous growth rate can usually be observed when the greenish-white or reddish colored blossoms form.

Peculiarities of the flower

The formation of flowers requires a lot of strength from a dragon tree, which is why it is better to remove the beginnings of flowers on weakened specimens. If you let the dragon tree bloom, you can enjoy the persistent inflorescences for a relatively long time. Dragon trees like the subspecies Dracaena fragrans can give off a very intense odor (similar to that of jasmine) during the flowering period. While some indoor gardeners find this smell particularly intoxicating, others may find it bothersome as well.

Induce a bloom in the dragon tree

There are different theories as to which of the following factors the flowering of the dragon tree depends on:

  • temperature
  • incidence of light
  • humidity
  • nutrient

On the one hand, a certain dry phase is said to have led to surprising flowering successes in some cases. On the other hand, if the plants are kept at only about seven degrees Celsius for a period of about two weeks, it is said to have a flowering-inducing effect on dragon trees. Conversely, you can probably prevent flowering in older specimens of the dragon tree by selecting a consistently warm location with a room temperature of more than twelve degrees Celsius.

tips

With a bit of luck, you can discover dragon trees of impressive dimensions while hiking on the Canary Islands. If you want to witness the blooming of stately dragon trees in the wild, you need to travel to the respective regions during the usual blooming season from March to May.

Category:

Indoor plants