A Detailed Guide to Growing and Caring for the Dragon Tree
Dragon tree is also known as the dragon tree, the narrow-leaved dragon tree, and the long-flowered dragon tree, and is an evergreen small shrub. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia and is often grown as a potted plant. So how do you grow it?
1. Soil
The dragon tree prefers relatively loose sandy soil, and slightly acidic soil is most suitable, along with soil with good permeability, which is good for root respiration and nutrient absorption. You can use 1 part each of leaf mold, peat soil, and river sand mixed as a growing medium, and cultivate it under 70-80% shade conditions.
2. Light and temperature
The dragon tree is shade-tolerant, and a mild-light, semi-shaded, and relatively humid environment suits it best. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, so as not to damage the leaves and cause them to wither. A temperature of around 23 degrees is most suitable, and too low a temperature is not good for growth. In addition, protect it from the cold in winter and keep it above 8°C, and reduce watering of the potting soil.
3. Watering
The dragon tree is relatively drought-tolerant and has strong vitality. Ordinarily you just need to keep the soil moist; do not water too much, so as not to drown the roots and cause root rot, which affects growth. Generally, watering about once every 10 days is enough. In summer, when it is hot and dry, water once every 3-5 days, choosing to do so before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
4. Fertilizing
During the growing season, apply compound fertilizer 1-2 times a month, keep the soil moist, and in summer spray more water on the leaf surface to raise air humidity. At other times, mainly use organic fertilizer, and apply additional nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus fertilizer as appropriate depending on the situation.
5. Other
Dead leaves and rotten leaves in the pot should be cleaned up promptly to avoid pests and diseases. In addition, for the commonly occurring spiders and small insects, spray a certain amount of 800-fold diluted Supesha solution for control.
Growing the dragon tree is not very difficult; basically, doing the above points well is about enough.