A dragon tree is generally a very easy-care and therefore also quite popular houseplant. If the leaves of the dragon tree show symptoms such as yellow spots, this does not always have to be due to an illness.

Yellow spots on the dragon tree leaves can have very different causes

Stippling from incorrect site conditions

The so-called leaf spot disease occasionally affects dragon trees, but it does not manifest itself as yellowish, but rather as brown spots on the leaves that look like damage caused by eating. But there are also other possible reasons, for example:

  • unsuitable site conditions
  • wrong care
  • pests

Depending on the chosen location, drafts can be a factor with dragon trees right next to the window. Dragon trees should also be exposed to approximately the same temperatures all year round. Light or yellow spots on the leaves can be an indication of a location that is too sunny and at the same time too cool, especially if the spots also form on the older leaves.

Pests on the dragon tree

There are different types of mealybugs and scale insects that can be responsible for yellow spots on dragon tree leaves. The infestation that is visible to the naked eye can be washed off mechanically with a sharp jet of water, and the plant should then be repotted. The clay balls (€22.65) of a so-called hydroponic culture offer pests hardly any places of retreat and at the same time usually have a positive effect on the root health of the dragon tree, which can react very sensitively to constant waterlogging.

Fertilize and water the dragon tree properly

Problems with the care of the dragon tree are often due to too frequent watering. However, yellow spots on the leaves can also be the first harbingers of complete yellowing of the leaves as a symptom of iron deficiency. Especially with dragon trees in hydroponics, you should ensure that liquid fertilizer is regularly supplied with the irrigation water, since the plants in this culture form cannot absorb any nutrients from the soil in the usual way.

tips

In terms of light tolerance, it makes a big difference whether it is a dragon tree species with dark green leaves or with lightly marked or reddish leaves. Dragon trees with reddish and whitish-edged leaves have lower chlorophyll levels and tolerate more direct sun than green-leaved dragon trees.

Category:

Indoor plants