Dracaena (Dragon's blood tree)

Dracaena Dragon Blood Tree Houseplants

The Dracaena is also known as the Dragon Blood Tree or Dragon Plant. This houseplant got these nicknames because the resin from the stem of the plant has a bright red colour.
The Dracaena is a tropical gem and requires super little care. An ideal houseplant for anyone who doesn't have much time or desire to take care of their plants. In addition, the plant is very popular because of its tree-like character. Partly because of its sturdy trunks, the Dracaena is a great addition to your living space.

Where does the Dracaena come from?

Originally, the Dracaena comes from areas in Africa and Central America, but grows mainly on islands such as Madeira, the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde Islands. Dracaenas grow on rocky slopes and cliffs and are adapted to the dry, harsh conditions of these regions. For this reason, the Dracaena also needs very little water to grow.

How big will the Dracaena grow?

The size of the Dracaena can vary by species and growing conditions. It remains a living product, so we cannot give an exact number of centimetres. After all, some plants grow faster than others and, as mentioned, this also depends entirely on the care and characteristics of the plant. With houseplants, we usually assume about 30-40 cm per year.

Is the Dracaena poisonous?

The Dracaena is certainly not poisonous when touched, but we advise against ingesting the plant. So pay close attention to this if you have small children or curious pets that would like a bite of the plant. Ingestion of the leaves can lead to irritation and intestinal problems.

Different types of Dracaena

There are different types of Dracaenas. We have Dracaena Anita Variegata, a plant with a sturdy, thick stem, but there are also Dracaenas with several small stems. So there is a perfect Dracaena for everyone that fits in well with your interior. The plant is not only beautiful to look at, it is also super easy to care for. This makes the Dracaena the perfect houseplant for everyone.

Dracaena Marginata

A striking feature of the Dracaena Marginata is its slender, upright stems that can grow sinuous. The narrow, pointed leaves are coloured reddish or purple along the edges. The colour variations on the leaf edges add a decorative element to this sturdy houseplant.

Dracaena Janet Lind

Dracaeina Janet Lind, also known as Dracaena Deremensis, ‘Janet Craig’ or simply ‘Janet Craig’, is popular for its ease of care and adaptability to different environments.
The Dracaena Janet Lind has dark green, glossy leaves that grow in a fan-like shape. These leaves are elongated and pointed, giving the plant an elegant look. The Dracaena Janet Lind is a relatively compact Dracaena variety and is therefore suitable for both large and smaller spaces.

Dracaena Warneckei

The Dracaena Warneckei, also known as the Dracaena Fragrans ‘Warneckei’ or the Striped Dracaena, is a striking and popular houseplant appreciated for its elegant appearance and air-purifying properties.
A striking feature of the Dracaena Warneckei is its elongated leaves with distinctive stripes. The leaves are dark green in colour and have cream to white stripes running the length of them. These stripes give the plant a decorative and stylish look, making it a popular choice for both home and office.

Caring for the Dracaena

As mentioned, the Dracaena is really a super easy houseplant. This topper requires little care and doesn't mind being forgotten once in a while. An ideal houseplant for anyone who sometimes neglects their plants or simply doesn't have much time for them. For this reason, the Dracaena is also an ideal office plant and does not need much sunlight. However, this of course does not mean that you can completely forget about the plant. The Dracaeana also needs some love from time to time.

Watering Dracaena

The Dracaena doesn't need much water. You only need to water the plant once every 3 to 6 weeks. This is because the Dracaena stores water in its stems. You can think of this as its own water reservoir, which is really handy!
It's best to check the humidity by checking the soil. Too much water certainly doesn't do this cool green houseplant any good!

The best location for the Dracaena

The Dracaena is a very strong plant. So it does not really care where it is placed. However, the Dracaena prefers a spot in the shade. The plant will not appreciate a spot in full sun, which can even burn its leaves! So pay attention to this when choosing a spot for your plant.

Repotting the Dracaena

When you receive your Dracaena, you do not have to repot it right away. You can leave your plant in its cultivation pot for up to two years. This way its roots can acclimatise and become strong. After about 1.5 to 2 years, you can repot the plant. Always do this the right way, using a watertight inner sleeve, vulcastrat and a moisture meter. Note that a moisture meter is not leading in this case, because the plant stores water in its stems. The moisture meter is useful in this case to measure whether there is not too much water at the roots in any case. So when the meter indicates that the soil is dry, still keep to once every 3 to 6 weeks!

Feeding the Dragon Plant

You can give your Dragon Plant some nutrition once every 2 months. Then do this at the necessary watering. You can use normal houseplant nutrition for this. Read carefully on the description of your plant food how to use it.

Diseases and pests in your Dracaena

Although Dracaenas are known as strong and resilient houseplants, they are not completely immune to diseases and pests. Here are some common problems Dracaenas can face:

• Root rot: Root rot can occur when excess water is given which remains at the roots. The plant cannot handle this and the roots become soft and rot. Unfortunately, root rot is difficult to reverse. So watch out for excess water.
  
• Mealybug: Mealybugs are one of the most common pests and unfortunately your very strong Dracaena can also suffer from them. This is because mealy bugs travel with clothing and the wind. Plants next to a door or window are therefore particularly susceptible. Fortunately, mealy bugs are easily remedied by simply wiping them away with a wet cloth. Just make sure you get all the mealybugs with you. If you don't remove mealybug immediately, it can damage the plant, which is something you obviously want to avoid.
  
• Spider mites: Spider mites are small red or brown mites that look like little spiders. You can recognise them by the small webs on the leaves. If your plant suffers from spider mites, you should rinse it well in the shower and use a pesticide.
  

Pruning and cutting the Dracaena

Dracaena should be pruned with sharp scissors or a sharp knife. Old leaves will first turn yellow and then brown. By removing these, you save the energy that the plant can put to good use for its healthy leaves. By pruning the plant, you can prolong the life of your Dracaena and enjoy your strong houseplant for a long time to come!
How do you prick a Dracaena?

• Cut off a healthy, non-woody stem, preferably a few centimetres from the stem.
  
• Cut the cuttings diagonally at a length of about 10-15 centimetres.
  
• Remove the lower leaves to create a ‘bare stem’.
  
• Place the cuttings in a mixture of potting soil and sand.
  
• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Place the cuttings in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight.
  
• Roots should appear within a few weeks. Once the cuttings are well rooted, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
  

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