Dragon Tree

Also known as: Dragon Tree, Song of India, Pleomele, Song of Jamaica

Dracaena reflexa is an evergreen shrub or small tree with slender, upright, often branching stems. Its glossy, lance-shaped leaves are arranged in loose rosettes and may be solid green or variegated with cream or yellow stripes, depending on the cultivar. Mature plants can produce panicles of small, star-shaped white or pinkish flowers with a light, sweet fragrance. Its sculptural silhouette and colourful foliage make it a popular low-maintenance houseplant.

Dragon Tree

Scientific classification

Species: Dragon Tree (Dracaena reflexa)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Asparagaceae

All parts contain saponins and are considered toxic if ingested; may cause vomiting and drooling in cats and dogs and can also cause mild digestive upset in humans.
Toxicity: Foliage · Houseplants · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 1.5 - 2.5 metres
Height: 0.5 - 1 metre
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Upright
Habit: Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Bright indirect light
Sunlight: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

Dragon Tree pictures

Information to be completed

Distribution of Dragon Tree

Distribution map

Tropical Africa and the Indian Ocean islands, including Madagascar, Mauritius and the Mascarenes.

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

All parts contain saponins and are considered toxic if ingested; may cause vomiting and drooling in cats and dogs and can also cause mild digestive upset in humans.

Quick identification of Dragon Tree

Information to be completed

Dragon Tree care guide

Water when the top few centimetres of compost has become dry; water thoroughly and allow excess to drain. Reduce watering in winter.
Watering: Bright indirect light
Sunlight: 18 – 27 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water when the top few centimetres of compost has become dry; water thoroughly and allow excess to drain. Reduce watering in winter.

Fertilizing

Once a month during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Pruning

Prune in spring to remove leggy stems or control height; cut back to a node, and new shoots will emerge below the cut.

Propagation

Take stem tip cuttings or stem sections in spring or early summer. Cut a healthy stem into 5-8 cm lengths, remove lower leaves, and insert into moist cutting compost. Keep at 20-25°C in bright indirect light with high humidity until roots and shoots form, usually within four to eight weeks.

Growing

Grow Dracaena reflexa in bright, filtered light and avoid strong, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves; a short period of morning sun is tolerated. Use a free-draining loam-based or soil-less compost with coarse sand or perlite. Water moderately and allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry out before watering again; keep considerably drier in winter. Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly from spring to summer and maintain a minimum temperature of 13-15°C. Repot every two to three years in spring, and remove or trim stems to control size.

More growing and care information →

Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally healthy, but overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot and soft rot of the stems. Ensure the compost is not left waterlogged and provide good air circulation.

Pests

May be infested by scale insects, mealybugs and spider mites, especially in warm, dry indoor air. Wipe the leaves and check axils and undersides regularly.

Explore the plant health library →