Dracaena draco – The Majestic Dragon Tree
Why Choose Dracaena draco?
Dracaena draco, also known as the Dragon Tree, is a stunning, slow-growing tree native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and North Africa. Recognized for its thick, sculptural trunk and blue-green sword-shaped leaves, this tree has been treasured for centuries for its striking silhouette and mythical red resin, known as dragon’s blood.
Key Features of Dracaena draco
- Growth Habit: Slow-growing but can reach up to 12-15 meters in its natural habitat.
- Foliage: Blue-green, stiff, sword-shaped leaves arranged in rosettes at the branch tips.
- Trunk and Bark: Thick, sculptural, grayish-brown bark, resembling dragon scales.
- Flowers and Fruits: Produces greenish-white flowers in summer, followed by orange-red berries.
- Resin: Secretes a red sap, historically used in medicine, varnishes, and dyes.
How to Care for Dracaena draco
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate direct sun. Keep in a south-facing or west-facing spot for best growth.
- Watering: Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out before watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Adapts to normal indoor humidity, but prefers a dry, well-ventilated environment.
- Temperature: Thrives between 18-27°C. Protect from frost and sudden temperature drops.
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix, such as a combination of cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required — remove dead or damaged leaves as needed.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Yellowing Leaves: Caused by overwatering or lack of drainage. Adjust watering habits accordingly.
- Brown Leaf Tips: Often due to low humidity or excess fluoride in tap water. Use distilled water when possible.
- Pests: Occasionally affected by spider mites and mealybugs. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Why Add Dracaena draco to Your Collection?
- Unique Appearance: Its dramatic, architectural shape makes it a perfect statement plant.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it great for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
- Historical Significance: The legendary dragon’s blood sap has been used for centuries in medicine and art.
- Indoor and Outdoor Versatility: Can be grown indoors in pots or outdoors in warm climates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dracaena draco
- Can Dracaena draco be grown indoors? Yes! It thrives indoors in bright light, preferably near a south-facing or west-facing window.
- How fast does Dracaena draco grow? It grows slowly, adding about 10-15 cm per year under optimal conditions.
- Is Dracaena draco pet-friendly? No, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Order Your Dracaena draco Today
Enhance your plant collection with the legendary Dracaena draco — a timeless, sculptural beauty. Order now while stocks last!
Dracaena draco
Dracaena draco is approximately 150 cm tall and is approximately 27 cm