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Dragon Tree Care: Location, Watering & Care Tips

The dragon tree (Dracaena) belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and originally comes from the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. With its elegant, sword-shaped leaves, it is not only a decorative eye-catcher but also one of the most effective air-purifying houseplants. The NASA Clean Air Study confirms: dragon tree filters pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene from indoor air.

The air purification is especially effective in the AIRY system, which enhances the natural filtering effect through active root ventilation. The dragon tree is extremely hardy and forgives care mistakes – perfect for beginners and busy plant lovers. In this guide, you will learn everything about proper dragon tree care – from choosing the location to watering and solving problems with yellow leaves and brown tips.

Quick Facts: Overview of Dragon Tree Care

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Air purification

Very high (NASA-confirmed)

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Water requirement

Moderate (Let the soil dry slightly between waterings)

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Light requirement

Bright to partly shaded | No direct sunlight

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Toxicity

Toxic to cats & dogs if ingested (Saponins)

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Very beginner-friendly

Beginner-friendly

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Growth height

1-3 meters (indoors, depending on type)

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Temperature

18-24°C ideal | Min. 12°C

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Repotting

Every 2-3 years in spring

1. The ideal location for dragon tree

The dragon tree prefers a bright to partly shaded spot with indirect light. Direct midday sun should be avoided as it causes leaf burns.

Recognizing light symptoms:

  • Too little light: Slow growth, long gaps between leaves, variegated varieties lose their pattern
  • Optimal light: Compact growth, strong leaf colors

Too much light: Faded leaves, brown dry spots

Ideal dragon tree location:

  • 1-3 meters away from the east or west window
  • Bright location without direct sunlight
  • North window with additional room light possible

To avoid:

  • Direct midday sun (causes brown spots)
  • Completely dark corners (growth stagnates, leaves lose color)
  • Drafts and proximity to heaters (dry out leaf tips)
Time Optimal Minimum
Year-round18-24°C12°C
Winter16-20°C12°C
AIRY tip:
Place your dragon tree in the AIRY system at a bright spot without direct sunlight. The active root ventilation maximizes pollutant filtering – ideal for living and work rooms.

2. How to Water a Dragon Tree Properly – This Is How Much Water the Plant Needs

The most common question: How often should one water a dragon tree? The answer depends on light, temperature, and season.

Spring/Summer (Growth phase):

  • Water every 7-10 days
  • The top 3-5 cm of soil should dry out between waterings

Autumn/Winter:

  • Every 10-14 days or less often
  • Significantly less water in cooler temperatures

How much water to give the dragon tree?

Water thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot
Remove excess water from the saucer after 15-20 minutes
Standing water is deadly – it leads to root rot and yellow leaves

Humidity: Dragon tree prefers 40-60% humidity. Spray the leaves 1-2 times a week or wipe them with a damp cloth – this prevents brown tips.

In the AIRY System:
The built-in water tank (1.8L for M, 3.2L for L) supplies your dragon tree for 2-3 weeks. The root aeration completely prevents waterlogging – a great advantage.

3. Repotting the Dragon Tree – Timing & Soil

Time: Spring (March-May) is ideal

Frequency:

  • Young plants: Every 2 years
  • Mature plants: Every 3-4 years

Signs for repotting:

  • Roots grow out of drainage holes
  • Water runs through immediately
  • Growth stalls despite good care

Ideal base:

  • Permeable (no waterlogging)
  • Nutrient-rich
  • Slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5)

Mixture (Do It Yourself):

  • 60% green plant soil
  • 20% perlite or sand
  • 20% coconut fiber

Finished products: High-quality green plant soil or palm soil

Repotting Step-by-Step:

  1. Choose a pot 3-5 cm larger in diameter
  2. Drainage layer at the bottom (expanded clay)
  3. Carefully loosen the plant
  4. Remove old, rotten roots
  5. Place in fresh soil
  6. Water thoroughly

In the AIRY System:
The AIRY mineral substrate is structurally stable, prevents compaction, and optimizes oxygen supply – perfect for Dracaena.

4. Fertilizing the dragon tree – Fertilizing & Nutrients

The dragon tree has a moderate nutrient requirement.

Recommendation:

  • Liquid fertilizer for green plants
  • AIRY Booster (especially for AIRY systems)

March-September (growth phase):

  • Fertilize every 3-4 weeks
  • Dosage according to manufacturer's instructions
  • October-February (dormant period): Do not fertilize

Avoid over-fertilizing:

Brown leaf tips indicate too much fertilizer. Rinse the soil with clear water.

Care Tips:

  • Clean leaves: Wipe every 2-3 weeks with a damp cloth (improves photosynthesis)
  • Trim dragon tree: Tall plants can be shortened – cut the stem at the desired height, new shoots will grow below
  • Cuttings: Cut stems can be used for propagation

AIRY advantage:
By better nutrient uptake in the aerated root zone, the amount of fertilizer can be reduced by 25-30%.

5. Dragon tree as an air purifier – NASA confirms

The NASA Clean Air Study identified Dracaena as one of the most effective air-purifying houseplants overall.

Filtered pollutants:

  • Formaldehyde (from furniture, chipboard, textiles)
  • Benzene (from plastics, cleaning agents, smoke)
  • Trichloroethylene (from paints, varnishes, adhesives)
  • Xylene (from varnishes, printing inks)
  • Toluene (from paints, adhesives)

Room size recommendation:

  • 1 large dragon tree (120-150 cm) for 10-15 m²

AIRY System – Enhanced Air Purification

Natural air purification: Standard pot uses about 10% of the air purification potential
With AIRY system: Active air flow through the root zone = up to 8 times higher filtering performance

Additional health benefits:

  • Removal of VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
  • Increased air moisture (good against dry indoor air)
  • Improved focus and well-being
Scientific basis:
The NASA study showed that 90% of air cleansing takes place in the root zone. The AIRY system actively channels room air through this area – without electricity, filters, or chemicals.

6. Common Problems with Dragon Tree – Causes & Solutions

If the dragon tree gets yellow leaves, these are the most common causes:

1. Overwatering (most common cause)
  • Symptoms: Soft, mushy stems, yellow leaves from bottom to top
  • Solution: Lengthen watering intervals, check the soil, repot if necessary and remove rotten roots
2. Nutrient deficiency
  • Symptoms: Older leaves yellow, new leaves remain small
  • Solution: Fertilize regularly (March-September)
3. Natural aging process
  • Symptoms: Individual lower leaves yellow
  • Solution: Normal – simply cut off old leaves

Brown leaf tips – Causes:

  • Low air humidity (< 40%) → Spray regularly
  • Overfertilization → Rinse the soil, fertilize less
  • Chlorine-containing tap water → Let water stand for 24 hours or use rainwater
  • Draft → Change location

Large brown spots:

  • Sunburn: Direct sun → Change location
  • Fungal infestation: Dark, damp spots → Remove affected leaves, water less



Causes:

  • Sudden change of location → Let the plant get used to it
  • Too cold (below 12°C) → Choose a warmer spot
  • Too dark → More light
  • Overwatering → Water less, check the roots

Dragon tree leaves are drooping:

  • Underwatering: Soil completely dry → Water thoroughlyOverwatering: Root rot → Repot, remove rotten roots


Dragon Tree Diseases & Pests

Common pests:

  • Spider mites: Fine webs → Increase humidity, rinse plant
  • Scale insects: Brown bumps → Remove mechanically, soap solution
  • Thrips: Silvery spots → Yellow traps, neem oil

Prevention: Regularly check and clean leaves, maintain optimal humidity

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Dragon Tree

In summer every 7-10 days, in winter every 10-14 days. The top 3-5 cm of soil should dry out between waterings. Perform a finger test – overwatering is the most common cause of problems!

Permeable, structurally stable green plant soil mixed with perlite or sand (80:20). Or ready-made palm soil. In the AIRY system: special mineral soil – optimally permeable.

Yes, dragon tree is poisonous to cats and dogs. It contains saponins that cause stomach and bowel irritation. Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, drooling. Usually not life-threatening, but unpleasant. Place the plant out of reach of pets.

Most common causes: Overwatering (soft stems, rotten roots), lack of nutrients (older leaves), or natural aging process (individual lower leaves). Check watering habits and fertilize if necessary.

Main causes: Low air moisture (< 40%), over-fertilizing, tap water containing chlorine, or drafts. Solution: Spray regularly, fertilize less, let water stand before use.

Indoors typically 1.5-3 meters tall, depending on the type:

  • Marginata: 1.5-3 m
  • Deremensis: 1-2 m Can be kept at the desired height by pruning.

💚 Buy dragon tree with AIRY system

Maximize the air-purifying effect of your dragon tree with the AIRY system. Active root ventilation = up to 8 times higher filtering power – all without electricity.

Discover the AIRY system with dragon tree now   →