In this country, a dragon tree is usually purchased commercially as a potted houseplant with a height of about 30 to 40 cm, but can also reach a considerable size over the years, depending on the subspecies. There are some good arguments against, but also for, growing a dragon tree as a bonsai.

The dragon tree is not ideal for bonsai cultivation

The classic houseplant

There are a few reasons why the dragon tree can be found in so many offices in Europe and also in many private homes:

  • it is evergreen with good care
  • it can be cultivated well in hydroponics, but also in other substrates
  • Dragon trees are fairly easy to propagate
  • in the case of location problems, good new shoots form after the appropriate remedy
  • a dragon tree does not need direct sunlight for good growth

While some other plants that are cultivated indoors all year round need temperature and care adjustments during the period of annual hibernation, the dragon tree is always happy about relatively even temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius and a rather high humidity.

Why a dragon tree is not suitable for a typical bonsai from a purely visual point of view

Plant varieties that have particularly small leaves and flowers are generally selected for the project of bonsai cultivation, which is actually intended to last for decades. With a thickening trunk and a size suitable for a room, the illusion of a miniature tree is much easier to create. From a purely visual point of view, dragon trees with their very long, narrow leaves are only suitable as bonsai material with a lot of good will. Strictly speaking, dragon trees are not even trees. However, with their unbranched stems, they almost look like miniature palm trees. It can therefore be attractive to keep a small row of "Bonsai palm trees" in a bowl on your desk, so that you can daydream about different places you long for from previous holidays.

Raise the dragon tree to bonsai yourself

The practical thing about the dragon tree when it comes to attempting a dragon tree bonsai is that you don't necessarily have to start with a very young specimen, as is often the case with other types of bonsai. Dragon trees don't necessarily take it for granted when their trunk is simply cut off at the desired height. In this way, you can also easily trim an older dragon tree to a size that is suitable for bonsai. However, after shortening the roots and repotting them in a bonsai pot, you should first wait a few weeks before trimming the upper part of the dragon tree to the desired size.

tips

Dragon trees do not tolerate direct sunlight very well, unless it is a species with red leaves. Nevertheless, a dragon tree bonsai should not be too dark, otherwise it will stretch towards the light in a way that is disadvantageous for bonsais and will grow faster .

Category:

Indoor plants