The dragon tree requires frost-free temperatures all year round and therefore cannot be cultivated outdoors in our latitudes. However, under certain circumstances and with appropriate care, the popular houseplant can be used seasonally for greenery on the balcony.
Can a dragon tree stand on the balcony?
A dragon tree can be cultivated on the balcony with sufficient protection from direct sunlight and drafts. Place the plant in a partially shaded spot protected from the wind and water it regularly to prevent it from drying out.
A plant that loves average and mediocrity
Dragon trees are so popular as houseplants because they are not only considered evergreen and particularly decorative, but also relatively easy to care for. But this only applies within the protective walls of a house, which protect the dragon tree from excessive fluctuations in the following factors:
- Solar radiation
- Moisture
- Temperature
Dragon trees like it bright, but can also react allergically to too much direct sunlight. These plants love relatively high humidity, which can be achieved indoors by spraying them with water. In contrast to many other plants, the dragon tree doesn't mind if the temperatures in its location are almost the same all year round.
Beware of sunburn
In natural areas such as the Canary Islands, dragon trees are usually integrated into a diverse flora, so that the plants are often in partial shade under the canopy of other trees. On a balcony, however, it's not just direct sunlight that can become a problem. Since the masonry or sometimes the balcony parapet and window panes absorb and reflect a lot of sunlight, the light and temperature conditions can sometimes be very extreme here in summer. In the dragon tree, this is manifested by “burned” looking leaves with large brown areas or brown spots. A parasol (€34.00 on Amazon) or an awning can also effectively protect the dragon tree from the sun on a south-facing balcony.
Finding the right place for culture on the balcony
Not only the sun is a factor in the care of the dragon tree on a balcony, the various dragon tree species also generally have very poor tolerance to drafts. The dragon tree should therefore be placed in a partially shaded spot, protected from the wind, with enough indirect daylight to produce he althy growth and perhaps flowers. Since the dragon tree always grows towards the light, it may be necessary to rotate these plants on the balcony regularly to ensure straight growth.
Tip
Make sure that heat and drafts on the balcony cause the dragon tree in the pot to dry out more quickly. You should therefore water the plants regularly as soon as the soil in the pot feels dry and crumbly on the surface.
