The around 40 different species of dragon trees come mainly from equatorial Africa and Asia. Depending on the type and variety, a dragon tree can grow to be several meters high - even in a planter. You can shorten it so that it doesn't get too big.
Can you shorten the dragon tree?
In fact, a dragon tree that has grown too tall canbe shortened without any problem, as the evergreen trees and shrubs arevery tolerant of pruning. Even the head and trunk can be cut to the desired height. The houseplantwill sprout again after a few weeks
How do you shorten the dragon tree?
The dragon tree is shortenedwith sharp secateursor a similarknife. You make the cut either on the shoot to be removed or directly on the trunk. Especially in these cases you should resort to pruning:
- Plant grew too tall
- poorly trained head
- brown or yellow leaves
You can cut offindividual shoots. However, these must be cut off smoothly at the trunk, otherwise unsightly trunk residues will be left behind. But it is also possible to completelyCopping the trunk including the forelock, although you can significantly shorten specimens that are too large.
When should you cut the dragon tree?
It's best to shorten the dragon treein early spring when it wakes up from its hibernation and the chance of rapid regrowth is particularly high. At this point, the dragon tree is growing rapidly and is eager to form many branches.
In order to best support the new growth, you should alsomove the dragon tree into fresh, nutrient-rich substrate. High-quality green plant or palm soil is best, which you can mix with mature compost and some expanded clay for better permeability.
How do you seal larger interfaces on the dragon tree?
It is often recommended to seal larger interfaces when shortening shoots or trunk of the dragon tree. Tree Wax is very suitable for this and is applied to fresh wounds. Proceed as follows:
- Straighten interfaces, e.g. B. with a curved butcher knife
- Do not touch fresh interfaces with your bare hands!
- carefully coat with tree wax
However, this measure is not absolutely necessary. It is much more important to usesharp and clean cutting tools when cutting. Sharpen scissors and knives before cutting to avoid bruising. You should also disinfect the blades to avoid the transmission of pathogens.
Can you grow new dragon trees from the cuttings?
The cuttings left over from shortening the dragon tree can be used very well to propagate the dragon tree. You can either root the resultingcuttingsin a glass of water or plant them straight away in potting soil. The cuttings need a warm and bright location, and the substrate should always be kept slightly moist. The same applies to leftoverstem pieces, which can often also be rooted. Just make sure to put it in the ground the right way up: what was previously facing up must now also be up.
Tip
How big can a dragon tree get?
The Canary Islands dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is particularly popular in indoor cultivation. In its natural location it can reach a height of up to ten meters and a trunk thickness of up to one meter. However, when grown indoors, the plant rarely grows more than two meters high. The lanceolate leaves, on the other hand, can reach a length of up to 60 centimeters.
