African Dragon Tree

African Dragon Tree Care

Dracaena arborea

Other names: Tree Dracaena

What is the plant

A small piece of tropical forest to embellish your collection, this evergreen shrub can even clean the air and remove unwanted scents.

Native to Africa, this shrub can grow up to 6 feet (2 m) in a container and more than 33 feet (10 m) in the wild or garden settings. Its long, narrow green leaves, with a defined central vein, make it easy to identify. It also bears insignificant white flowers in spring. As a natural growth progression, its lower leaves become yellow and fall, exposing the trunk a few inches between the ground and the leaves.

This is a resistant easy-to-care plant that tends to become dormant in winter. Make sure to keep it away from pets, as it is to both cats and dogs, but more intensely to cats.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

21°C - 25°C

Hardiness zone

9a - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
This plant should be watered moderately and deeply, as the soil should be fully saturated and the excess water dismissed. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, which, in warmer months, means watering it almost every day. It can sustain short drought periods.
Pruning
Pruning can be employed to control height but also to remove dead leaves and promote optimal growth.
Fertilizer
Fertilization can be done by the end of winter, right before the beginning of the growing season. Make sure to always water after feeding.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Africa Dragon Tree prefers partial shade with plenty of indirect brightness. It can still survive in lower-light environments, but it will develop much slower.
Soil
The substrate should be light, loose, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Propagation
It can be propagated by stem cuttings. Cut a stem of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and put it in soil or water to gain roots. Make sure to keep the natural growth orientation from the mother plant so it isn’t planted upside down.

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Temperature
This plant can’t tolerate frost or extremely cold temperatures. 65°-78°F (18°-25°C) is a good temperature range for it.
Container
Any container is great, as this shrub has no specific requirements.
Fun fact
Besides its air-purifying qualities, this plant is also able to neutralize tobacco scent.