DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF pruning DRAGON TREES
HOW TO CORRECTLY TRIM
DRACAENA DRACO (DRAGON TREE) LEAVES
At Cactus Vision, we have honed our expertise in caring for cacti and agaves over the past decade.
However, our thirst for knowledge extends beyond our specialties. We are constantly seeking better ways to nurture all kinds of desert plants, especially the intriguing and alluring dragon tree.
As landscapers, we have learned that seeking the guidance of first-hand specialty growers is the best way to gain new knowledge. Unfortunately, we also learned the hard way that relying on well-intended fellow landscapers may not always be the best source of information. There are lots of plant species out there, and it’s understandably hard to be an expert on them all.
This lesson reminded us to seek advice exclusively from other specialists who have dedicated their careers to growing and studying specialty plant varieties.
The dragon tree, with its strikingly unique appearance, has become a highly sought-after addition to designer homes across Australia.
We NOW stock this plant species as we grow the Cactus Vision. Our introduction to the Dragon Tree came from a seasoned landscaper who had worked with them for many years. However, it was a dedicated grower who became our hero and taught us the best way to trim these magnificent plants.
While it may be tempting to sculpt dragon trees by pulling away their drooping fronds - a fancy name for leaves -, we now know that this approach can cause aesthetic issues as the plant matures and increase the chances of infection. Instead, our source explained to us how to carefully trim the drooping leaves using shears. The trimmed fronds should then be left to dry and brown completely before being gently guided off by hand. If there is any resistance, it means the fronds are not yet ready to be removed. We’ve only made the mistake once of removing these leaves incorrectly, and we hope you can read this and make note!
*Photo showcasing how good these stems are when fronds are trimmed back, and left to fall-off on their own accord.
With each passing day, we strive to become true masters of our craft and in an honest way, share our passion for the natural world with others.
we are determined to seek out the best teachers, contractors, and consultants to learn from in order to offer our clients the highest level of expertise!
BELOW: THE TEXTURE OF A WRONGLY TRIMMED DRAGON TREE, IF YOU “PULL” FRONDS OFF BEFORE THEY’RE READY.
AS YOU CAN SEE, PULLING THE FRONDS EARLY, AFFECTS THE INTEGRITY OF THE PLANTS SHAPE!
HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
that WE LOVED TO LEARN!
Dragon Trees have a lot to offer beyond their striking appearance. Not only are they visually stunning, but they are also incredibly resilient and adaptable to different environments. These trees have a rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used the red resin from the tree's trunk for medicinal and embalming purposes. To keep your dragon tree healthy and thriving, it is important to pay attention to its specific needs.
Here are three common mistakes
to avoid when caring for a dragon tree:
1. Overwatering
Dragon trees are adapted to dry conditions, and overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. It is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and to ensure that the pot/planter/soil has good drainage.
2. Excessive fertilization
While fertilizing can be beneficial for the growth of the dragon tree, too much fertilizer can damage the roots and leaves. When in doubt, it is best to use a light dose of fertilizer, once a year. look for a 3:2:1 ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus with traces of zinc, iron and manganese.
3. Incorrect pruning
Pruning a dragon tree incorrectly can lead to aesthetic issues as the plant matures. It is important to trim the drooping leaves with shears and let them dry and brown completely before gently removing them by hand. Pulling or tearing the fronds can damage the plant and create an entry point for disease. It is best to Prune during warmer months, when the plant is actively growing.
FOREVER LEARNING
By sharing our personal knowledge and experiences in this blog post, we hope to provide you with practical guidance on how to properly care for and prune your beloved plants. Our commitment to being transparent is motivated by our desire to offer you accurate, truthful, and valuable information so that you can enjoy the unique beauty of your dragon tree for many years to come.