Taking care of a dragon breath plant can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only can you take pride in growing a beautiful and unique plant, but you can also enjoy the many benefits dragon breath plants offer, from their mesmerizing colors to their sweet fragrance. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to tend to your dragon breath plant and keep it healthy for years to come.
Introduction to Dragon Breath Plant
The dragon breath plant, or Dracaena draco, is part of the Asparagaceae family and is a popular houseplant due to its unique appearance and low maintenance requirements. It’s native to the Canary Islands and can be found growing in the wild in the drier parts of the islands. The dragon breath plant is a succulent, meaning it’s able to store water in its leaves, making it drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
The dragon breath plant’s most distinctive feature is its long, thin leaves, which are usually grey-green in color. It’s also known for its sweet, citrus-like scent, which has earned it the nickname ‘dragon’s breath’. In the wild, dragon breath plants can grow up to 10 feet tall, but when grown indoors, they usually stay around 4-6 feet tall.
What Do You Need to Know Before Buying a Dragon Breath Plant?
Before you buy a dragon breath plant, there are a few things you should know. First, you should make sure you have enough space to accommodate a dragon breath plant. As mentioned, they can grow up to 10 feet tall, so make sure you have enough room for it to grow.
You’ll also want to make sure you have the right conditions for a dragon breath plant. They prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-75°F. They also need to be watered regularly, but don’t like to be overwatered. Let the soil dry out between waterings and avoid getting the leaves wet.
Finally, you’ll want to check the condition of the dragon breath plant before you buy it. Make sure the leaves are firm and not wilted, and that there are no signs of disease or pests.
Types of Dragon Breath Plants
There are several different types of dragon breath plants, each with their own unique characteristics. The most common type is the Dracaena draco, which is the species we’ve been discussing. It’s the most popular type of dragon breath plant and is known for its long, thin leaves.
Another type of dragon breath plant is the Dracaena marginata, which is also known as the dragon tree. It has long, thin leaves, but they’re edged with a red or purple stripe which makes them stand out.
The Dracaena reflexa, or song of India, is another type of dragon breath plant. It has wider, glossy leaves with a yellow or white stripe down the center.
Finally, there’s the Dracaena fragrans, which is also known as the corn plant. It has wider, glossy leaves that are usually green or yellow.
Dragon Breath Plant Care Basics
Now that you’ve chosen your dragon breath plant and have made sure it’s in good condition, it’s time to start taking care of it. Here are some basic dragon breath plant care tips to help you keep your plant healthy and happy:
- Place your dragon breath plant in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so make sure it’s in a spot where it won’t get too much sun.
- Water your dragon breath plant regularly, but don’t overwater it. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Feed your dragon breath plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
- Keep the temperature around 65-75°F.
- Prune your dragon breath plant to keep it looking its best.
- Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
What to Do if Your Dragon Breath Plant is Dying
If your dragon breath plant is dying, there could be several causes. The most common cause is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant. Other causes include too much direct sunlight, not enough light, temperatures that are too cold or too hot, pests, or disease.
To save a dying dragon breath plant, you’ll first need to identify the cause of the problem. If the cause is overwatering, you’ll need to give the plant a chance to dry out. Move it to a spot with better drainage, reduce the frequency of watering, and make sure the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry before you water it again.
If the cause is not enough light, you’ll need to move the plant to a brighter spot. If it’s too much direct sunlight, move it to a spot with indirect light. If the cause is too cold or too hot temperatures, adjust the temperature to the 65-75°F range. If the cause is pests or disease, treat the plant with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide.
How to Grow Dragon Breath from Seed
Growing dragon breath plants from seed is an easy and rewarding experience. Once you have your seeds, you’ll need to prepare the soil. Dragon breath plants prefer well-draining soil, so mix in some sand or peat moss to help with drainage.
Next, you’ll need to sow the seeds. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and make sure they’re spaced at least 2 inches apart. Once they’re planted, water the soil lightly and keep it damp. You should see the seeds sprout in 2-3 weeks.
Once the seedlings are established, you can start caring for them as you would any other dragon breath plant. Give them bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Make sure the temperatures stay in the 65-75°F range, and feed them once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
How to Care for an Indoor Dragon Breath Plant
Indoor dragon breath plants need the same care as outdoor dragon breath plants, but there are a few extra steps you can take to keep them healthy. First, you’ll want to make sure the plant is getting enough light. Place it in a spot where it will get bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day.
Next, make sure the temperatures stay in the 65-75°F range. If the temperatures are too cold or too hot, your dragon breath plant may become stressed and start to die. You should also make sure your dragon breath plant is getting enough humidity. Place a humidifier near the plant or mist it regularly to keep the air around it moist.
Finally, make sure to keep the soil lightly moist. Check the top 2-3 inches of soil and water when it’s dry. Fertilize your dragon breath plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
Is a Dragon Breath Plant Poisonous?
The dragon breath plant is not poisonous, but it can cause skin irritation if you’re sensitive to it. It can also be mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from the plant.
Tips for Keeping Your Dragon Breath Plant Healthy
Here are some additional tips for keeping your dragon breath plant healthy:
- Place the plant in bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours a day.
- Water the soil when the top 2-3 inches are dry.
- Feed your dragon breath plant once a month with an all-purpose fertilizer.
- Prune your dragon breath plant to keep it looking its best.
- Clean the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
- Keep the temperature in the 65-75°F range.
- Place a humidifier near the plant or mist it regularly.
Conclusion
Taking care of a dragon breath plant is a rewarding experience. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy your dragon breath plant for years to come. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be well on your way to having a healthy and happy dragon breath plant.
If you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance houseplant, the dragon breath plant is a great choice. With its unique appearance and sweet fragrance, it’s sure to be a conversation starter in any home. So, if you’re looking for a plant to add a bit of life to your home, why not give the dragon breath plant a try?