Dragon Tree Plant Care

Dragon Tree (Dracaena malawiana) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Dracaena genus. Dragon Tree is native to Malawi.

Dragon Tree displays an upright, tree-like growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Dragon Tree produces rarely flowers indoors, small white blooms in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Dragon Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Dragon Tree thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Dragon Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Dracaena malawiana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Dragon Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Dragon Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dragon Tree every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to low light and well-draining, peat-based potting mix with perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dragon Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Dragon Tree can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Dragon Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Dragon Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Dragon Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to corn plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Dragon Tree is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Dragon Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Dragon Tree is native to Malawi. In cooler regions, grow Dragon Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.