Basically, the dragon tree is extremely robust in its numerous subspecies and therefore also a very popular houseplant. However, a wrong location can quickly lead to drooping or brown leaves, making it necessary to "restart" plant growth.

After a radical pruning, the dragon tree drives out fresh

Rotten roots and a dying crown of leaves

If dragon trees are not cultivated hydroponically but in soil, excessive watering often leads to rotting and dying of roots and other parts of the plant. If this is the case, it can usually be smelled clearly at an early stage. As soon as individual parts of the plant show signs of advanced rot, it is not so easy to save a dragon tree. Extremely radical measures are then required if such a plant is not to die completely.

Use the upper part of the dragon tree as a cutting

Merely reducing the watering is not enough, just like a quick repotting, to save a dragon tree with already rotten roots. However, you can proceed as with the propagation of the dragon tree and cut the thin stem in half with a pair of clean secateurs. The head cutting obtained in this way can then be rooted in water or a special plant substrate. During these weeks, the cutting should be placed in the shade and with high humidity.

Force new shoots with a radical pruning

On the continuous "trunk" of a dragon tree, no new shoots usually form below the crown of leaves at the very top. However, it may be necessary to cut off the top part of the dragon tree, including all the leaves, for the following reasons:

  • in case of diseases
  • in the case of extensive browning of the leaves after massive sun damage
  • as a measure in favor of a more compact growth form

If the cut is made with sharp pruning shears and then well cared for, new shoots will form just below the cut point within a few weeks.

tips

Targeted pruning with the aim of forming new shoots is often used on dragon trees to force the plants to branch out more.

Category:

Indoor plants