The dragon tree is considered an easy-to-cultivate houseplant that requires little care. The plants, which visually resemble a palm tree, develop one or more stable trunks over time. If these become soft, quick action is required.
Why does the dragon tree trunk become soft and how to save the plant?
A soft trunk on the dragon tree can be caused by too frequent or heavy watering and waterlogging, which leads to root rot. To save he althy shoots, cut them off and use them for propagation in water or substrate.
What is the cause of the soft trunk of the dragon tree?
You have often watered the dragon treetoo much and/or too often. Especially if the water sits in the planter for days, waterlogging occurs, which manifests itself in root rot and later the trunk becoming soft.
Due to the oversupply, the storage organs are permanently wet. Rotting fungi, which you can recognize by the unpleasant smell when unpotting, spread and the roots can no longer do their job. As a result, the plant is under-supplied, the trunk becomes soft and the dragon tree dies.
How can I save the dragon tree affected by root rot?
If the trunk is damaged by root rot,the dragon treeunfortunately can no longer be saved. However, if there are still firm and he althy shoots, you can separate them and use them to propagate cuttings:
- Put the shoot pieces in a glass with water.
- Place in a bright, warm place out of sunlight.
- Change water every three days.
- As soon as roots have formed, place in soil.
Alternatively, you can let the sections root directly in the substrate.
Can insecticides also damage the trunk?
Although pests are almost never responsible for the trunk of the dragon tree becoming soft, too much and incorrectly usedinsecticides canbut definitelythe cause.
- Therefore, only use the products when the root ball is moist.
- Always water a few hours beforehand so that the substrate can soak up the liquid.
- Only then administer the water with the added insecticide or spray the plants.
In this case, it may be possible to save the dragon tree by repotting it immediately.
Are there plant diseases that cause the trunk to become soft?
Bacterial soft rot (bacterial wet rot), caused by the bacterium Erwinia carotovora, can invade the trunk through injury to the plant tissue. You acknowledge this condition:
- The soft, squishy stem ends.
- Slime traces on the trunk.
- An extremely unpleasant smell, reminiscent of superimposed fish.
Unfortunately, if the infestation is severe, the plant can no longer be saved.
Tip
Water dragon trees sparingly
Dragon trees cope much better with little water than with too much. Only water when the top centimeters of the substrate feel dry (thumb test). Wait a few minutes and tip away any liquid that collects in the saucer or planter.
