Dracaena care: tips on watering, pruning & more
If a Dracaena plant is not properly cared for, it will quickly lose its charm as a houseplant. Here is a complete list of the most helpful Dracaena care tips.
Dracaena are very frugal houseplants, which are perfectly happy with just a little attention. However, there are things to keep in mind when caring for your houseplant to ensure it continues to thrive. We tell you which care measures are essential and give you some valuable tips.
Contents
Dracaena care is essentially limited to watering, fertilising, pruning, and repotting. In the following section, we explain when it is the right time to take the above steps and what you should bear in mind when doing so.
Watering Dracaena: how often and how much?
The Dracaena tree needs a constant supply of moisture. Due to its original habitat in tropical and subtropical areas, it is accustomed to relatively constant conditions all year around, which is also reflected in its water requirements. However, the roots are very sensitive to waterlogging. To avoid this, do the finger test before watering and feel how much moisture is still in the soil.
Fertilising: how often and how much?
Dracaena requires regular fertilisation only in the phase of greatest growth (March to August). The best fertiliser for this purpose is a plant-based fertiliser that provides nutrients over a long period of time. Furthermore, natural fertilisers have a very positive influence on the structural condition of the planting substrate, which contributes to good permeability, water supply and the avoidance of waterlogging. Our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food provides just the right ratio of ingredients for the vigorous growth of your dragon tree. Due to its fine granular structure, it can be easily added to the surface of the planting soil without the need to dig it in. By watering lightly, you can ensure that the nutrients are dissolved more quickly and reach the roots.
- Perfect for a variety of plants in the garden & on the balcony
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Caution: If you mean too well, you can quickly damage your plant, as it is very sensitive to overfertilisation. The principle “less is more” should therefore be considered here.
Repotting Dracaena plants
Dracaena is a plant for which regular repotting makes perfect sense. On the one hand, the substrate exchange loosens the soil and thus increases the permeability for air and water. On the other hand, as the above-ground portion of the tree grows, so does its root ball, so your Dracaena will be happy to have a larger planter when you repot it.
How to prune Dracaena
In principle, Dracaena can do without regular pruning. If you no longer like the branching, dry or withered leaves hang down or your favourite simply grows over your head, you can cut it back without any problems.
The best time to prune is at the beginning of spring. Your tree will then be close to the phase of greatest growth and will be able to quickly compensate for the biomass lost through pruning. As a general rule, pruning can be done at any other time of year if circumstances dictate.
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