Dracaena (dragon 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 is the perfect beginner's plant. It is a very strong p...
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The Dracaena: a tough tropical powerhouse for your home
The Dracaena, also known as the dragon tree or dragon plant, is a striking houseplant that owes its name to one special feature. The resin from its trunk is a deep red, much like dragon's blood.
The dragon tree is as tough as they come and needs very little to keep looking good. A drop of water, a bit of light now and then, and it's happy. Perfect for people with busy lives, or for anyone who simply wants a handsome plant at home without much fuss. With a Dracaena you bring tropical atmosphere and real character into the house in one go.
Where does the Dracaena come from?
The dragon tree originally grows in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Central America, where it can become an impressive bush or tree several metres tall. Indoors it stays rather more compact, happily, but it keeps its robust, tree-like shape. Ideal if you're after a bold eye-catcher.
How big does the dragon tree get?
The size of a Dracaena varies by species and growing conditions. This is a living product, so we can't give you an exact number of centimetres. One plant simply grows faster than another and, as we said, it depends entirely on the care it gets and on the qualities of the plant itself. With houseplants we usually reckon on around 30-40 cm a year.
Is the dragon plant toxic?
The dragon tree isn't toxic to touch, but we would advise against eating any part of it. So keep a close eye out if you have small children or curious pets at home who like to try a bite. Eating the leaves can cause irritation or stomach trouble.
Worried about the safety of your pets? No problem, we also have a wide selection of pet-friendly houseplants that are safe and stylish at once. Do take a look at the collection and pick a plant that suits your green, animal-loving household with complete peace of mind.
Choosing the perfect dragon tree
There are various kinds of Dracaena, each with its own look, size and leaf shape. Whether you go for a compact plant for your desk or a tall, bold eye-catcher for the corner of the room, these steps will help you pick the dragon plant that suits you and your home best:
- Choose the right size: do you want a subtle addition, or a striking, tree-like specimen?
- Look at leaf shape and colour: Dracaenas come with narrow, broad, green or variegated leaves. Choose whatever appeals to you.
Finding it hard to choose the right plant online? Don't worry! For XL dragon plants we offer the Personal Plantshopper. Click the button by your favourite plant and within seconds you'll receive photos of the plants available in our greenhouse via WhatsApp, so you can pick your favourite easily. We'll send it out to you within a few working days.
Different kinds of Dracaena
There are many different dragon plants, each with a look of its own. Some have a sturdy, thick trunk and really do resemble a small tree, while others have several slender stems for an airier effect. With that much variety, there's always one that suits your taste and your home.
Dracaena Marginata
The most striking feature of the Dracaena Marginata is its slender, upright stems, which curve gracefully as the plant grows. The narrow, pointed leaves have distinctive reddish to purple edges, giving the plant a decorative, lively look.
Dracaena Janet Lind
The Dracaena Janet Lind, also known as the Dracaena Deremensis or simply 'Janet Craig', has dark green, glossy leaves that grow in a fan shape. The leaves are long and pointed, which gives the plant an elegant air.
Dracaena Warneckei
The Dracaena Warneckei, also known as the Dracaena Fragrans 'Warneckei' or the striped Dracaena, is known for its long leaves with their striking stripes. The leaves are dark green with cream to white stripes running along their length.
How do you care for a dragon tree?
- Light: the Dracaena is a strong plant that does well in plenty of places. It does prefer a bright, shaded spot, though. It would rather avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, so choose its position with care.
- Watering: the dragon plant is not a thirsty housemate, happily. You only need to water it once every 3 to 6 weeks. The sturdy trunk works as a built-in reservoir, so the plant stores water itself. Always check the potting soil first: does it still feel moist? Then hold off watering a little longer.
- Plant food: you can give your dragon tree some plant food once every 2 months, at the same time as a watering. Ordinary houseplant food is fine. Read the description on your plant food carefully to see how to use it.
- Pruning: use sharp scissors or a knife to remove old, yellow and brown leaves. That saves the plant energy it can put into healthy growth instead. Regular pruning extends your plant's life.
You can read more about looking after this beautiful houseplant on the Dracaena care page!
Tackling diseases and pests
Dracaenas are very strong, but they can still run into problems such as:
- Root rot: caused by too much water standing around the roots, which makes them go soft and rot. Root rot is hard to put right, so don't water too often.
- Mealybug: a common pest, spread by clothing and wind, particularly on plants standing near doors or windows. Mealybugs are easy to wipe off with a damp cloth, but make sure you get every last woolly cluster to prevent further damage.
- Spider mite: tiny red or brown mites that spin webs on the leaves. Rinse the plant thoroughly under the shower and use a suitable treatment.
Ordering a dragon tree from Green Bubble
When you buy a houseplant you're always after the healthiest, handsomest one there is, and that is exactly what we aim for at Green Bubble. Every day we work to ship only the highest-quality plants, straight from our own greenhouse or from the grower.
Don't fancy heading out to buy a Dracaena? No problem. At Green Bubble you can order all your favourite plants online. No lugging plants about, because we deliver them straight to your door. Place your order at Green Bubble today and your dragon tree will be with you before you know it!
