With its slender trunk and sword-shaped leaves, the dragon tree (Dracaena), which comes from Africa, looks very attractive. No wonder the “false palm” is so popular as a houseplant! Read how to properly fertilize the dragon tree for he althy growth and strong leaves.
How should you fertilize the dragon tree?
It is best to fertilize the dragon tree with a commercially availableliquid fertilizer for green plants, which you administer with the irrigation water between March and Octoberweekly. Fertilization is also carried out in the winter months, but then only once a month.
What should you fertilize the dragon tree with?
The dragon tree is an evergreen plant that we cultivate as an ornamental foliage plant. That's why you should provide Dracaena with afertilizer for green plants, as this contains the right mix of nutrients for this type. This means the leaves stay nice and green, and the plant continues to grow new foliage. Liquid fertilizershave proven themselves useful for houseplants because they are easy to use and the nutrients are directed directly to where they are needed: to the roots. Are you one of those people who travel a lot or tend to forget to fertilize? Then you should use along-term fertilizer, for example in the form of afertilizer stick
When do you fertilize the dragon tree?
If you use aliquid fertilizer, fertilize the dragon tree as follows:
- March to October: weekly
- November to February: monthly
Long-term fertilizer, on the other hand, gradually release their nutrients within three or more months after administration. When and how often you have to administer this depends on the manufacturer.
Immediatelyafter potting or repottingHowever, you should notfertilize provided you have used a pre-fertilized substrate. In this case, start fertilizing approximately six to eight weeks later.
How is the dragon tree fertilized?
For species-appropriate fertilization of the dragon tree, you should definitely adhere to thedosage recommendation from the manufacturer in order to avoid overdosing - which, like undersupply, can cause illness.
Liquid fertilizers are particularly easy to administer because you apply themwith the irrigation water. Fertilizer sticks, on the other hand, are inserted into the soil around the trunk, but you should pay attention to the roots: Do not press the sticks in with force, otherwise you will damage the root system! How many fertilizer sticks you need depends on the size of the planter.
Can you also fertilize the dragon tree with home remedies?
In fact,dried coffee groundsis an ideal fertilizer for the dragon tree because it is rich in minerals and trace elements - and also ensures that the substrate is in one when watered with lime-containing tap water slightly acidic pH range is maintained. However, it is important to use dried and not fresh coffee grounds, otherwise it will quickly become moldy.cooled cooking water from vegetables- such as potatoes, broccoli, carrots, etc. - is also suitable, as long as it has neither been s alted nor seasoned. But be careful: the home remedies mentioned areonly suitable as a supplement, not as a sole fertilizer!
Tip
Does the dragon tree need a nutrient-rich substrate?
Ideal for the dragon tree is commercially available green plant or palm soil, which you can mix very well with ripe compost from the garden and expanded clay for better permeability.
