If the dragon tree loses its shape, it is time for a pruning, just like when you want to propagate it. We show what needs to be considered.
Basically, a dragon tree (Dracaena) can do without regular pruning. If you no longer like the branching, if there are more dry or wilted leaves hanging down, or if your darling simply grows too much for you, you can cut it back without any problems. We explain what you have to consider when pruning a dragon tree.
Dragon tree: when to prune?
The best time to prune a dragon tree is at the beginning of spring. Your dragon tree is then just before the phase of greatest growth and has sufficient strength to sprout again quickly after the pruning measure. In this way, the biomass lost through the cut can be quickly compensated. Basically, a cut can also be carried out at any other time of the year if the circumstances require it - but then it can take much longer with the new, branching shoots.
Pruning and propagating dragon tree
Another purpose that can be fulfilled by pruning the dragon tree is to propagate it by cuttings. The dragon tree cuttings can be obtained using several methods. On the one hand you can take cuttings directly from the trunk of the Dracaena , on the other hand you can also take so-called crown cuttings from the shoots.
How to proceed: Cut 15 to 20 cm long pieces from the trunk of your dragon tree, or separate the crown shoots completely from the plant and cut them on both sides so that a straight end is created.
One third of the freshly cut cuttings are placed in a pot with a permeable substrate, which is explicitly suitable for the propagation of cuttings. A high-quality substrate such as our Plantura organic herb and seed soil protects the propagation from fungal attack and death.The original direction of growth of the shoot must be taken into account - what was once up must also be up for the cutting. This is the only way that new growth can take place in the right direction. Thoroughly and thoroughly moisten the plant substrate immediately after sticking the cuttings, so that there is a good water supply.
Caution: When propagating cuttings, be sure to use containers with drainage holes so that the excess water that accumulates when watering through can drain off.
After planting the cuttings in the well-drained soil, cover the pot with perforated foil and place in a warm, sunny spot. Rooting is accelerated by the higher temperatures under the foil. After three to four weeks, your dragon tree cuttings should be rooted enough to be ready to be transplanted into a larger container. It is best to use a more nutrient-rich soil such as our peat-free Plantura organic universal soil.
Note: Alternatively, you can root the cuttings in water. However, care should be taken when repotting your dragon tree, as the newly pulled roots can break off very quickly.
Cutting the dragon tree: instructions in 4 steps
A dragon tree is extremely robust and very willing to sprout again after it has been cut. Therefore, the dragon tree can be cut off at almost any point without endangering the survival of the plant. We provide step-by-step instructions on how to proceed correctly.
- Select a spot where you want to prune your dragon tree. As mentioned before, you can prune your Dracaena on almost any part of the tree. The more shoots remain after pruning, the stronger the branching and the more new shoots will form.
- Use a sharp knife or fine saw to obtain a smooth cutting surface.
Caution: Do not use blunt pruning shears or similar. The dragon tree must not be crushed. - Seal the interface with wax to prevent unnecessary evaporation and to create a barrier to pathogens.
- Finally, place your dragon tree in a warm, sunny spot toSupport growth so that the cut off biomass can be compensated for quickly.
