The dragon tree needs frost-free temperatures all year round and can therefore not be cultivated outdoors in our latitudes. However, under certain circumstances and with suitable care, the popular houseplant can be used seasonally for greening on the balcony.

The dragon tree must not be too sunny or too wet

A plant that loves average and mediocrity

Dragon trees are so popular as houseplants because they are not only considered to be evergreen and particularly decorative, but also relatively easy to care for. However, this only applies within the protective walls of a house, which protect the dragon tree from excessive fluctuations in the following factors:

  • sun exposure
  • humidity
  • temperature

Although dragon trees like it bright, they can also have an allergic reaction to too much direct sunlight. These plants love a relatively high level of humidity, which can be achieved in closed rooms by spraying them with water. In contrast to many other plants, the dragon tree does not mind at all if the temperatures at its location are almost the same all year round.

Beware of sunburn

In natural distribution areas such as on the Canary Islands, dragon trees are usually integrated into a diverse flora, so that the plants are often in partial shade under the canopy of other trees. On a balcony, on the other hand, not only the direct sunlight itself can become a problem. Since the masonry or sometimes the balcony parapet and the window panes absorb and also reflect a lot of sunlight, there are sometimes very extreme light and temperature conditions here in summer. This is expressed in the dragon tree by "burnt" looking leaves with large areas of brown or brown spots. A parasol or awning can also effectively protect the dragon tree from the sun on a south-facing balcony.

Finding the right place for culture on the balcony

Not only the sun is a factor for the care of the dragon tree on a balcony, the different dragon tree species usually do not tolerate draughts. The dragon tree should therefore be placed in a semi-shady spot, sheltered from the wind, with enough indirect daylight to produce healthy growth and maybe even a flower. Since the dragon tree always grows towards the light, regular turning of these plants on the balcony may be necessary to ensure straight growth.

tips

Make sure that the heat and drafts on the balcony dry out the dragon tree in the pot faster. You should therefore water the plants regularly as soon as the soil in the pot feels dry and crumbly on the surface.

Category:

Indoor plants