Once you have set up the dragon tree as a houseplant in a suitable location, then this plant, which is not hardy outdoors, requires very little care other than watering and fertilizing. Nevertheless, moving to a new planter may be necessary from time to time.
It often makes sense to repot a dragon tree right after you bought it
Get out of the old earth
The commercially available dragon trees, if they are not hydroponic specimens, are usually sold in planters with ordinary potting soil with a high peat content. In contrast to a specially mixed type of dragon tree substrate, this type of soil tends to collapse and therefore after a short time no longer lets any air through to the roots. It may therefore be appropriate to repot a dragon tree into a pot with a more suitable substrate. The regular repotting should take place before the start of the strongest growth with the beginning of spring. On the other hand, you should get your dragon tree out of the old soil faster if:
- the substrate is inhabited by the larvae of pests such as fungus gnats
- the root ball shows signs of root rot
- harmful fertilizer components have accumulated in the substrate
How about hydroponics?
The right rhythm when watering the dragon tree can sometimes be relatively difficult to find. Why not make this tedious task of caring for the dragon tree easier for yourself by switching to a hydroponic system with a practical water level indicator? But then when repotting, make sure that all the soil is really removed from the roots so that diseases and fungal spores don't stand a chance.
Root balls also get bigger over time
While compact dragon tree species remain very small, similar to a bonsai, other varieties can grow surprisingly quickly in a suitable location. Smaller species may only need to be repotted after about two to three years, while faster-growing dragon trees need a slightly larger planter and fresh soil every year.
tips
Dragon trees are somewhat susceptible immediately after repotting and should therefore be protected from excessive sunlight for a period of a few weeks. It also doesn't hurt to spray the plants with a little water from an atomizer during this time, especially around the leaves.