- The dragon tree cannot thrive well in the wrong location
- Ensure healthy growth with the right care
- Emergency measures for acute problems with the dragon tree
Actually, the dragon tree is considered a very easy-care houseplant, with which even people without a green thumb cannot do much wrong. Nevertheless, if the basic needs of the various dragon tree species are disregarded, problems always arise, especially if signs of damage to the plants are misinterpreted and care errors are intensified.
Root rot is the most common cause of dragon tree death
The dragon tree cannot thrive well in the wrong location
In contrast to many other standard indoor plants, in many cases a dragon tree should not be placed directly on the windowsill. Reasons against this location are:
- too much sun exposure
- too warm temperatures during the winter months
- dry heating air
If direct sunlight falls through the window in question for a few hours a day, a dragon tree can also be placed directly by the window. However, dragon trees often do better in locations far from drafts and with relatively little daylight. However, if dragon trees are too dark, the growth in height increases considerably, so that pruning may be necessary in the sense of a compact plant size.
Ensure healthy growth with the right care
Dragon trees sometimes tend to tilt their optically palm-like leaf crown in the direction of daylight. You can prevent this from happening if you regularly turn the dragon tree and its pot a bit. In addition, so-called hydroponics are ideal for the dragon tree to protect the relatively sensitive roots from dangerous waterlogging. Although the dragon tree likes soil that is always moderately moist, too frequent watering is more harmful than occasional dryness.
Emergency measures for acute problems with the dragon tree
One of the most common care mistakes happens when the dragon tree loses its leaves supposedly due to drought and is therefore watered more and more frequently. At some point, the root rot has progressed so far that it is noticeable by a distinct smell. At this point, unfortunately, mere repotting usually no longer helps. However, you can cut off the healthy part of the trunk and let it reroot after a short drying period.
tips
With well-dosed watering, regular portions of fertilizer and a location that is not too sunny, a dragon tree should usually thrive without any problems.