- This plant stretches for the light
- This plant tolerates a radical pruning
- The added value of shortening
Many a dragon tree may initially look like a bonsai-sized palm tree, but under the right site conditions it can show considerable growth. The size of the dragon tree, which not least depends on the light supply, can be relatively easily adapted to one's own wishes.
The dragon tree tolerates pruning well
This plant stretches for the light
Dragon trees do well in partially shaded to light locations, but they should not be in direct sun. They also survive in rather dark locations in the room, as long as some indirect daylight still penetrates the leaves. However, as houseplants, dragon trees "stretch" towards the light, so that the green leaf crown can tilt to the side. To counteract this effect of the lack of light felt by the plant, you can simply rotate the dragon tree in the pot regularly. Another effect of a rather dark location is the increased length growth of the thin "stem", as the plant tries to grow towards the sun. Specimens of the dragon tree that shoot up in this way are then perceived by many people as relatively unaesthetic and "bare".
This plant tolerates a radical pruning
Other plants often only have a future as compost if all their leaves are removed. On the other hand, you can easily cut the dragon tree horizontally at the desired height with sharp, clean pruning shears and it will very soon form new shoots just below the cut point. The cut should be kept as small as possible and possibly sealed with tree wax (12.96€) or coal dust. A radical pruning is sometimes the best and only way to save a dragon tree with brown leaves that is suffering from care errors.
The added value of shortening
Shortening a dragon tree can serve several purposes:
- promoting compact growth
- of propagation by cuttings
- the branching of the dragon tree, which is otherwise often perceived as “lanky” in shape
But be careful not to overdo it when cutting head cuttings and, if possible, shorten the dragon tree every two years at most.
tips
Immediately after the cut, you should make sure that the dragon tree is adequately watered and shaded. A cut dragon tree cutting is left to dry for a day before being placed in the ground or in a water container.