The so-called dragon tree (Dracaena) is usually available as a houseplant in specialist stores. Since this plant cannot tolerate frost, it must be cultivated indoors at least in winter and then sometimes surprises with the sudden formation of flowers.
When and how does a dragon tree bloom in the house?
The flowering of a dragon tree is rare indoors and depends on factors such as temperature, light, humidity and nutrients. A cooler period of 7 degrees Celsius or dry periods can induce flower formation. The flowering period is between March and May.
Blossoms are relatively rare on indoor dragon trees
Many hobby and indoor gardeners are sometimes surprised that the dragon tree can even bloom. As with almost all other plants, it is possible to produce seeds for propagation with the dragon tree, but obtaining rooted offshoots from cuttings is more important for breeding. In many cases, when grown indoors, dragon trees do not bloom at all, which is why the racemose shape of the inflorescences is only known to comparatively few people. A dragon tree blossom can be all the more astonishing because an enormous growth rate can usually be observed during the formation of the greenish-white or reddish flowers.
Special features of the flower
The formation of flowers requires a lot of strength from a dragon tree, which is why flower buds on weakened specimens should be better removed. If you let the dragon tree bloom, you can enjoy the long-lasting inflorescences for a relatively long time. Dragon trees such as the subspecies Dracaena fragrans can emit a very intense smell (similar to that of jasmine) during the flowering period. While some indoor gardeners find this smell particularly intoxicating, others may also feel disturbed by it.
Induce a flower on the dragon tree
There are different theories as to which of the following factors the formation of flowers in the dragon tree depends on:
- Temperature
- Light incidence
- Moisture
- Nutrients
On the one hand, a certain dry phase is said to have led to surprising flowering results in some cases. On the other hand, it is said to have a flower-inducing effect on dragon trees if the plants are kept at only around seven degrees Celsius for a period of around two weeks. Conversely, you can probably prevent older specimens of the dragon tree from blooming by choosing an evenly warm location with a room temperature of more than twelve degrees Celsius.
Tip
With a bit of luck, you can discover dragon trees of impressive dimensions while hiking on the Canary Islands. If you want to experience the flowering of stately dragon trees in the wild, you must travel to the relevant regions during the usual flowering period from March to May.
