The dragon tree is a relatively easy-care houseplant that can be cultivated both in specially mixed soil and hydroponically. The various dragon tree species can tend to have an unaesthetic habitus under certain circumstances, but you can take simple countermeasures to combat this.
How to make a dragon tree branch?
To branch a dragon tree, cut the trunk at the desired height with sharp secateurs. New shoots form below the interface, which lead to denser branching. You can use the separated part as a cutting.
The growth of the dragon tree is influenced by the location
Dragon trees in particular with dark green leaves can only tolerate locations with relatively little direct sunlight. However, if the location is too dark, not only can unsightly hanging leaves occasionally occur, but height growth also accelerates. Over time, the plants develop a relatively tall and narrow habit, as they often consist of just one continuous, unbranched stem with a crown of leaves at the top. So that these leaves do not align sideways in the direction of the light, you should ideally turn a dragon tree a little every time you water it.
Shorten and branch the dragon tree
If you would like to influence the growth habit of the dragon tree towards denser branching, you can usually achieve this with targeted pruning. To do this, with a little courage, you simply take a pair of sharp secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) and cut the trunk of the dragon tree horizontally at the desired height. Below this interface, new shoots usually form after just a few weeks, so that double or triple branching sometimes occurs. You can let the upper part dry at the interface for a day and then use it as a cutting for propagating the dragon tree.
How to care for cuts
As a rule, it is not absolutely necessary to provide the interface with a dragon tree in a complex way. With the following substances you can prevent possible diseases on the plant wound and excessive drying out of the stem:
- special tree wax as a wound closure agent
- Candle wax
- Coal dust
Tip
You can use targeted pruning several times as a care measure for forced branching of the dragon tree. However, you should be patient for at least two years between cuts so that the new shoots of the dragon tree can mature and grow undisturbed during this period.
