In order for the dragon tree to remain as a houseplant for a long time, proper fertilization is required. We show what you have to consider when fertilizing the dragon tree.
Green houseplants are back in fashion. What should not be missing in any apartment next to Monstera, Maranta & Co. is the so-called dragon tree (Dracaena ). Despite its palm-like appearance, it belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagales). There are about 50 different species within the genus, but only the smaller ones find a place with us as houseplants. The dragon lily, as the plant is also known, only rarely flowers in our apartments, but it convinces with its vigor and its beautifully variegated leaves in green, white or red. In order for your dragon tree to thrive, it needs sufficient water and nutrients record, tape. However, the substrate in the pot is limited, which is why you should fertilize your dragon tree regularly so that there are no deficiency symptoms and you can enjoy your houseplant for a long time.
Dragon trees are usually relatively frugal and easy to care for. Nevertheless, there are a few aspects to consider when supplying houseplants with nutrients. We will explain below when and with what to best fertilize your dragon tree.
When is the dragon tree fertilized?
In addition to a sunny to half-shady location, dragon trees prefer a slightly acidic substrate (pH value between 6 and 7). Commercially available potting soil is usually very suitable for cultivating dragon trees. If necessary, you can also mix the selected substrate with some peat or coffee grounds to ensure optimal conditions. When planting, it is also advisable to work some fertilizer granules into the soil.
The dragon tree grows the most from March to August. During this period, it should therefore be fertilized regularly. You can administer a liquid fertilizer with the irrigation water every two weeks. However, you should definitely pay attention to the correct dosage in order to avoid over-fertilization. forThe principle applies to dragon trees: sometimes less is more. A better and also more sustainable alternative to liquid mineral fertilizers are fertilizers with an organic long-term effect such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer. These only have to be administered every few months, as they continue to supply nutrients even after a long period of time due to the ongoing decomposition by microorganisms.
In the winter months, the dragon tree usually does not grow as much due to the lower radiation intensity and therefore hardly needs any nutrients. If the dragon tree is cool in winter, you can completely do without fertilization. However, if the plant continues to be cultivated at normal room temperature, it is advisable to continue giving it a small dose of fertilizer every few months. Spring (February) is the best time to repot the dragon tree, and fresh substrate ensures that the plant has enough nutrients available again. In addition, repotting loosens the soil and improves permeability.
Recognizing deficiency symptoms in the dragon tree
If the leaves of the dragon tree discolour, this can have very different causes: Excessive solar radiation, waterlogging, fungal diseases, pest or bacterial infestation. A combination of different causes is also possible. If your dragon tree is dropping its leaves, it is probably due to a lack of water. However, if the dragon tree suffers from a nutrient deficiency, this usually manifests itself in the discoloration of the leaves or in the stunted growth of newly developing leaves. The main problem with dragon trees is an iron deficiency. The leaves turn yellowish, while the leaf veins remain conspicuously green. However, this deficiency can be counteracted by administering a commercially available liquid fertilizer that contains sufficient iron. It is best to also check the pH value of the substrate, because iron uptake changes (and deteriorates) as the pH value increases towards the alkaline range.
When is the dragon tree fertilized?
- Incorporate some fertilizer granules into the substrate when planting
- Fertilize regularly between March and August
- Apply liquid fertilizer about every two weeks
- Apply organic long-acting fertilizer about every three months
- Fertilize little or not at all in winter
- Repot in spring and replace substrate
- Pay attention to deficiency symptoms
What is the best way to fertilize the dragon tree?
You have various options to choose from for the optimal supply of nutrients to your dragon tree. Below we go into the advantages and disadvantages of organic and mineral fertilizers. We also introduce you to some proven home remedies for fertilization.
Fertilize your dragon tree organically: Instructions
If you have your own compost from the garden or from a worm box, you can use this to fertilize the dragon tree. It is best to mix the mature compost into the potting soil when repotting in spring. If you don't have such a natural fertilizer ready, an organic fertilizer with an organic long-term effect such as our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is the right choice. From a sustainable point of view, there are many reasons for using a fertilizer with an organic long-term effect.
What are the advantages of an organic long-term fertilizer?
- Long-term supply of nutrients to the dragon tree through ongoing decomposition via microorganisms in the soil
- Improvement of the structural properties of the substrate
- Because there are no chemicals, it is particularly gentle on plants, people and animals
Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is a long-term vegetable fertilizer made primarily from organic raw materials. It contains all the important nutrients your dragon tree needs to grow. The high proportion of nitrogen promotes plant growth and leaf formation. The phosphorus and potassium it contains are important for the cell structure and water balance of the plant, among other things. With needs-based fertilization, it is of course not just about the right composition, but also about the optimal dosage of nutrients. So that you can provide your dragon tree with the right amount of fertilizer, we have prepared detailed instructions for you below.
Organic Long-Term Fertilization: Instructions & Dosage Amounts for Dragon Trees
- When planting, lightly work about 3 to 5 g per liter of pot volume (1 to 2 teaspoons) of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer into the soil
- Water the freshly planted dragon tree well so that the granulate can loosen
- Approximately every three months 2 to 5 g perliter pot volume (1 to 2 teaspoons) to optimally support the dragon tree in its development
Pro tip: If you prefer to use liquid fertilizer, you can simply dissolve the fertilizer granules in a little water and then give it to your dragon tree over the irrigation water.
Dragon tree fertilization with minerals
Mineral liquid fertilizers are very popular for supplying indoor plants, as the nutrients they contain are in their pure form and are therefore directly available to the plant. However, the fertilizing effect is usually only short-lived and replenishment must be provided regularly. In addition, due to the easy solubility of the nutrient s alts in dragon trees, over-fertilization can quickly occur. Organic fertilizers work much more slowly than mineral fertilizers because they first have to be decomposed by microorganisms, but they promote the development of your dragon tree more sustainably and also improve the structural condition of the substrate.
Fertilize the dragon tree with coffee grounds and co.
You may have heard that you can fertilize houseplants with coffee grounds. In fact, the actual waste product still contains some vital plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The sour coffee grounds are also ideally suited for dragon trees because they help to keep the pH value in the substrate in the acidic range, even though they are regularly watered with lime-rich tap water, for example. It is best to collect the brew and dry it so that mold does not form during storage. Then, every few months, sprinkle some of the powder around the plant and work it lightly into the soil. You can also dilute smaller amounts with water and add them to the irrigation water.
Another fertilizer tip, which should be questioned, is watering potatoes with uns alted cooking water. The potato water should be collected after the cooking process and used for watering when it has cooled down. However, there is little information on the nutrient content of this fertilizer method. In general, exclusive fertilization with home remedies is not recommended. It is best to also fertilize with a primarily organic fertilizer in order to meet the nutrient requirements of your dragon tree.
In our we explain what you need to consider when watering, cutting and repottingSpecial article for the care of the dragon tree.
In addition to your dragon tree, do other plants also want to be supplied with nutrients? You can find a comprehensive article on fertilizing indoor plants here.