- Some shedding of leaves is normal
- Beware of sunburn
- Avoid strong temperature fluctuations
- Notice trunk rot in good time
With its trunk-like base and leaf crown, the dragon tree is visually reminiscent of the appearance of many types of palm trees. It is therefore relatively unattractive when only the grey-brown trunk remains after the leaves have fallen off.
In an inappropriate location, the dragon tree sheds leaves
Some shedding of leaves is normal
Similar to the palm trees, the trunk of the dragon tree is formed by new leaves emerging at the top of the plant and leaves dying off on the underside. So don't worry too much if occasionally leaves turn yellow at the bottom of the leaf crown and hang limp at first and later fall off completely. This is part of the dragon tree's natural growth process and the leaves can be easily discarded once they fall off.
Beware of sunburn
On the other hand, the situation is more dramatic if suddenly a large number of leaves turn yellow or develop large brown spots. You should then consider moving the dragon tree to a location that is too sunny. Many plant lovers want to do something good for their indoor plants in summer and put them on the balcony. In certain cases this can even be possible, but a dragon tree should then only gradually be accustomed to the weather conditions outdoors and to the stronger sunlight.
Avoid strong temperature fluctuations
In nature, dragon trees grow in places with only relatively small temperature fluctuations. Accordingly, they should also be set up in the house in such a way that the temperature is relatively constant all year round. Many locations directly above a radiator and close to the window are rather unsuitable for the dragon tree, since it can then lose its leaves due to the dry heating air and the sun-related temperature fluctuations. If you absolutely want to place a dragon tree right next to a bright window, then you should at least choose a specimen with patterned or rather reddish leaves. The less green a dragon tree species has in its leaves, the more sun it can tolerate. This has to do with the chlorophyll content of the leaves.
Notice trunk rot in good time
When the leaves begin to fall off from the top, hurry up. Then the upper end of the trunk is often already rotten due to an illness or as a result of care errors. Stem rot is usually accompanied by an unpleasant fishy smell. If the upper end of the trunk is affected by the rot, a radical pruning may help. In the case of root rot, an attempt can be made to get the plant to start over as a cutting.
tips
The most common reason for massive leaf loss in the dragon tree, in addition to classic sunburn, is root and trunk rot. This can be prevented with economical watering, a suitable substrate or with hydroponic care.