Dracaena (Dragon's blood tree)
The Dracaena is the perfect beginner's plant. It is a very strong plant that can grow anywhere and needs little care. It does not mind at all if you forget it once in a while, this sturdy trunk will take care of itself.
The Dracaena: the tough tropical powerhouse for the home
The Dracaena, also known as the Dragon Blood Tree or Dragon Plant, is a striking houseplant which owes its name to a special characteristic. The resin from the trunk has a deep red color, reminiscent of dragon blood.
The Dragon Blood Tree is hardy and needs very little to stay beautiful. A little water, occasional light and it is soon satisfied. Perfect for people with busy lives, or for those who just want a beautiful plant in their home without too much fuss. With the Dracaena you get tropical atmosphere and character in one go.
Where does the Dracaena come from?
Originally, the Dragon Tree grows in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Central America, where it can grow into an impressive and meters-high shrub or tree. In the home, fortunately, it remains more compact, but its robust and tree-like form is retained. Ideal for those looking for a sturdy eye-catcher.
How big will the Dragon Blood Tree be?
Dracaena size can vary by species and growing conditions. It remains a living product, so we cannot mention an exact number of centimeters. 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 Dragon Plant poisonous?
The Dragon Blood Tree is not poisonous when touched, but we do not recommend taking (parts of) the plant. So pay close attention to this if you have small children or curious pets in the house who may want to try a bite. Eating the leaves can cause irritation or intestinal problems.
Worried about the safety of your pets? No problem, we also have a wide selection animal-friendly houseplants that are both safe and stylish. Feel free to browse our collection and choose a plant that fits your green and animal-friendly household with confidence.
Choosing the perfect Dragon Blood Tree
There are several varieties of Dracaenas, each with its own look, size and leaf texture. Whether you go for a compact plant for on your desk or a tall, sturdy eye-catcher for the corner of the room, these steps will help you easily choose the Dracaena plant that best suits you and your interior:
- Choose the right size: do you want a subtle addition or a striking, tree-like one?
- Pay attention to leaf shape and color: Dracaenas come with narrow, wide, green or variegated leaves. Choose what appeals to you.
Finding it difficult to choose the right plant online? No worries! At XL Dragon Plants, we offer the Personal Plantshopper to. Click the button by your favorite plant and within seconds receive via WhatsApp pictures of the available plants in our greenhouse. This way you can easily choose your favorite. We will send it to you within a few working days.
Different types of Dracaenas
There are many different types of Dragon Plants, each with a unique look. For example, there are varieties with a sturdy, thick stem that really look like a small tree, but also Dragon Plants with several slender stems for a more airy effect. Thanks to this variety, there is always a plant that perfectly suits your taste and interior.
Dracaena Marginata
A striking feature of the Dracaena Marginata are the slender, erect stems, which can twist in a graceful manner as the plant grows. The narrow, pointed leaves have distinctive reddish to purple-colored margins, giving the plant a decorative and vibrant appearance.
Dracaena Janet Lind
The Dracaeina Janet Lind, also known as the Dracaena Deremensis or 'Janet Craig' for short, has dark green, glossy leaves that grow in a fan-like shape. These leaves are oblong and pointed, giving the plant an elegant look.
Dracaena Warneckei
The Dracaena Warneckei, also known as the Dracaena Fragrans 'Warneckei' or the Striped Dracaena, is known for its elongated leaves with distinctive stripes. The leaves are dark green in color with cream to white stripes running the length of them.
How do you care for a Dragon Blood Tree?
- Light: The Dracaena is a strong plant that does well in many places. Nevertheless, it prefers a light, shady spot. It prefers to avoid direct sun, as this can burn its leaves. So choose carefully a suitable spot for your plant.
- Watering: the Dragon Plant is fortunately not a thirsty housemate. You only need to water it once every 3 to 6 weeks. The sturdy stem acts as a built-in water reservoir, allowing the plant to store its own water. Always check the potting soil first: does it still feel moist? Then wait a little longer before watering.
- Nutrition: You can give your Dragon Blood plant some nutrition once every 2 months. Then do this at the necessary watering. You can use normal houseplant food Read carefully on the description of your plant food how to use it.
- Pruning: use sharp scissors or knife to remove old, yellow and brown leaves. This saves energy that the plant can use for healthy growth. Regular pruning extends the life of your plant.
On the Dracaena care page read more about caring for this beautiful houseplant!
Fighting diseases and pests
Although Dracaenas are very strong, they can still suffer from problems such as:
- Root rot: results from too much water remaining at the roots. This causes the roots to soften and rot. Root rot is difficult to repair, so don't water too often.
- Woolouse: these pests are common and spread through clothing and wind, especially on plants located near doors or windows. Mealybugs are easily removed with a wet cloth, but be sure to take all the mealybugs with you to prevent further damage.
- Spider: small red or brown mites that make webs on the leaves. For spider mites, rinse the plant well in the shower and use an appropriate pesticide.
Ordering a Dragon Blood Tree from Green Bubble
When buying a houseplant, of course you're always looking for the healthiest and most beautiful choice, and that's exactly what we at Green Bubble strive for. We are committed every day to shipping only the highest quality plants directly from our greenhouse or from the grower.
Don't feel like going out the door to buy a Dracaena? No problem! At Green Bubble you can easily order all your favorite plants online. No dragging plants around, because we deliver them directly to your home. Place your order today at Green Bubble and before you know it, your Dracaena will be delivered to your home in no time!