The dragon tree is a popular houseplant in many European countries because it has no problem with constant temperature and light conditions all year round. In view of the ever-growing specimen, many a proud owner of an older dragon tree wonders whether the dragon tree can sometimes also eke out its old age outdoors.

The dragon tree only thrives outdoors in warm climates

Warning: This plant gets cold feet quickly

Of course, even the most spoiled indoor plants originally come from a natural occurrence in the wild. This is also the case with the dragon trees, but their original distribution areas can be found in rather warm and, above all, year-round mild regions such as the Canary Islands. This is why dragon trees are not only absolutely sensitive to frost and should therefore not be overwintered outdoors under any circumstances, but even temperatures below a threshold of around 10 degrees Celsius can become problematic for dragon trees. This means that year-round outdoor cultivation in European locations north of the Alps is simply impossible. If your dragon tree is too big for growing indoors, we recommend pruning it back very hard instead of planting it out in the garden.

Use the summer season for a dragon tree holiday in the fresh air

Many owners of dragon trees treat their protégés to a kind of “summer retreat” outdoors during the summer months, and there is nothing fundamentally wrong with that. However, you should observe the following basic rules:

  • only put the dragon tree outside if it is not colder than 10 degrees Celsius (plus degrees!) at night
  • repotting is recommended in spring
  • After winter indoors, dragon trees need to be gradually acclimated to direct sunlight
  • Drafts can be harmful to dragon trees

The above principles make it clear that a location on the balcony is most likely to meet the needs of a dragon tree.

Beware of wet

Unfortunately, a location for the dragon tree outdoors that is directly in the sun for a maximum of a few hours a day and protected from drafts is not enough. You also have to make sure that the leaves and roots of the dragon tree do not suffer from long periods of summer rain. Various fungal diseases could otherwise easily attack the dragon tree.

tips

Even outdoors, a dragon tree (especially in covered locations) can be regularly sprayed with a little water (if possible with little lime).

Category:

Indoor plants