Dragon Tree Plant Care

Dragon Tree (Pterocarpus officinalis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Pterocarpus genus. Dragon Tree is native to southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Dragon Tree is also known as Dragon's Blood Tree, Bloodwood, West Indian Rosewood.

Dragon Tree displays a tall, spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Dragon Tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 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 full sun to partial shade.

Pterocarpus officinalis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Dragon Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Dragon Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Dragon Tree every 6 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Dragon Tree is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

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 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 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 11). 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 seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kiaat plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Dragon Tree is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, 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 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Dragon Tree is native to southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Dragon Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.