Is dragon blood tree toxic, and is this miraculous blood-activating herb suitable for growing at home?
Dragon blood tree, also known as Qilinjie, is a tree or shrub of the genus Dracaena, and is as famous as Yunnan Baiyao, possessing the effect of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis. The dragon blood tree is mainly distributed in Africa and southern Asia, and is a second-class rare and endangered protected plant, so is the dragon blood tree known as the “miraculous blood-activating herb” toxic? Is it suitable for growing at home?
I. Is the dragon blood tree toxic?
The dragon blood tree is toxic. The dragon blood tree can be used as medicine, and when used as a medicinal material it has excellent effects of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and astringing and stopping bleeding. The dragon blood tree is a very precious medicinal material, and using it as medicine has certain side effects, and the dragon blood tree itself is also somewhat toxic.
Once the bark of the dragon blood tree is cut, it will flow with a deep red sap; this liquid is actually its resin, dark red in color, which can not only be used as medicine but also be made into preservatives and paint, with a wide variety of uses.
II. Is the dragon blood tree suitable for growing at home?
The dragon blood tree is suitable for growing at home. The dragon blood tree is a common indoor ornamental plant, and it has great ornamental value because of its peculiar shape. In fact, the toxicity of the dragon blood tree plant can be ignored. The dragon blood tree is relatively suitable for placing in the living room or on the balcony, where it can not only be enjoyed but also purify the air, making it very suitable for keeping at home.
For the sake of safety, it is best to place the dragon blood tree in locations with good air circulation such as the living room or balcony; it is not recommended to place it in the bedroom, because the sap of the dragon blood tree can trigger allergic reactions in some people who are prone to allergies.
III. How to grow the dragon blood tree
1. Soil
The dragon blood tree has relatively strong adaptability and is not strict about soil, but it is best to grow it in loose, fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In addition, during the cultivation of the dragon blood tree, if you want the plant to grow better, you need to apply ferrous sulfate once a month, which can ensure that the soil pH is suitable and slightly acidic, suitable for its normal growth.
2. Water and fertilizer management
Watering: The dragon blood tree likes high temperatures and humidity and fears blazing sun, so it is best to water it by the principle of watering when dry and letting it dry between waterings. In spring, summer and autumn, when the plant grows luxuriantly, it needs more water; do not wait until the soil is dry before watering, but water when the potting soil is slightly moist. In winter, the frequency of watering can be appropriately reduced, but the potting soil must not be dry, and the soil must be ensured to contain sufficient water and nutrients to promote flowering in spring.
Fertilizing: The main point of cultivating the dragon blood tree is to apply nutrient solution as a top dressing; if the number of dragon blood trees cultivated is small and you are only growing them at home, then there is no need to specially prepare a nutrient solution. In addition, the dragon blood tree has a well-developed root system and grows robustly, so fertilizing does not need to be too frequent.
3. Temperature and light
Although the dragon blood tree can tolerate shade, if it is placed in too shady an environment for a long time, the leaves of the dragon blood tree will turn yellow or fade. If conditions permit, it is best to place the flowerpot on a south-facing balcony so that the dragon blood tree plant can fully receive sunlight.
When growing the dragon blood tree on the balcony, note that the summer sun is too strong, so the flowerpot should be moved in time to a shaded position indoors to avoid the scorching sunlight burning the leaves. The dragon blood tree is not cold-tolerant, so in winter be sure to take good measures to keep it warm, move the flowerpot indoors to a warm place in time, and maintain air circulation, so that it can safely overwinter.
The above is an introduction to the growth habits and growing methods of the dragon blood tree; friends who grow dragon blood trees at home can refer to it.