Dragon Tree
Dracaena draco
About this plant
Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, is a striking evergreen tree known for its thick, branching trunk and sword-shaped leaves. It produces a red resin called "dragon's blood" historically used for dyes and medicine. This plant is slow-growing and can live for many years, often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and large indoor spaces.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Dracaena
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Asparagales
- Plant type
- Tree
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, Morocco
- Distribution
- Native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and western Morocco; cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Partial sun
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 5 °C
- Maximum
- 35 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 9-11
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Watering. Water moderately, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is less active.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows.
Dracaena draco is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant plant that prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. It requires well-draining soil and should be watered moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot, so careful watering is important. It needs minimal fertilizing and occasional pruning to remove dead leaves.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- spring
Thick, branching trunk with sword-shaped green leaves; produces small fragrant flowers and red resin.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Sap may cause mild skin irritation; keep away from children and pets to avoid ingestion.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Dracaena draco may cause mild skin irritation in some sensitive people due to its sap. It does not produce airborne pollen that typically triggers allergies. To reduce risk, avoid direct contact with the sap and wash skin if exposed.
Common problems
Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Low light may cause slow growth and pale leaves. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs can occasionally appear.
Uses
Ornamental tree for gardens and indoor decoration; historically, its red resin was used for dyes and traditional medicine.
Notes
Prune dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance. Repot only when root-bound, as it prefers to be slightly pot-bound. Protect from frost and cold drafts.