- Seed propagation is not worth it
- time
- types of cuttings
- Propagating Dragon Tree: Instructions
- rest break
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A dragon tree is an almost everyday occurrence in our immediate vicinity. Wherever we look, there is already a nice copy of him somewhere. This is probably due to the fact that he gratefully accepts even the smallest attention and thrives magnificently. New plants are always welcome from such a frugal and at the same time graceful plant. You don't have to go shopping in the garden center for this. A few offshoots, a sack of soil and a little patience are all you need and you can propagate your dragon tree.
Seed propagation is not worth it
As often as the dragon tree adorns our premises, it has only rarely been observed blooming. Yes you've read correctly. The dragon tree, bot. Dracaena, actually blooms. And its flowers are no less beautiful. But a dragon tree only shows itself so lavishly in its native realms. In this country, the given living conditions are not worth flowering. Only sometimes, after many years of existence, does it surprise its owner.
- Dragon tree blooms extremely rarely in this country
- after flowering seeds ripen
- they hold the potential for more dragon plants
- propagating from seeds is tedious and difficult
But if you don't want to wait forever for new plants, just grab them cuttings. These are almost always available and in sufficient numbers.
Dragon tree, dracaena fragrans
time
Theoretically, cuttings can be cut at any time from an older dragon tree that has already grown a lot. There will be no shortage of offshoots either. Despite the "almost" constant availability of the propagation material, you should not proceed at random.
- multiply in late spring and summer
- many warm and bright days follow
- there are ideal starting conditions
- Rooting occurs quickly
- Young plants develop a certain strength until winter
tip: If suitable plant material accumulates during the cold season due to pruning measures, it should not end up unused in the garbage can. This plant can also be propagated in winter with good prospects of success. The propagation process is just slower than in summer.
types of cuttings
stem cuttings
As a basis for cuttings is one of the tribes the dragon palm. You can choose the trunk whose removal least affects the visual appearance of the mother plant.
- Dracaena leaves are sharp-edged
- Protect hands with gloves
- select a suitable strain
- e.g. B. crooked, leafless or disturbing trunk
- use sharpened secateurs or a sharp knife
- cut cleanly with a straight cut
- cut it into pieces about 20 to 30 cm long
tip: The open interface on the mother plant is a welcome entry point for various germs. Help her out with a protective covering of dripped wax or some charcoal dust. The interface should dry for about 24 hours beforehand.
Leafy head cuttings
A trunk that is too long can be shortened. This changes the appearance of the plant and should only be done if absolutely necessary. The cut head cutting is well suited for propagating the dragon palm. Heading the plant just for the purpose of propagation is not advisable. For the further procedure, it made no difference whether a head cutting or a bare and somewhat desolate-looking stem cutting was available.
Marginated dragon tree, Dracaena marginata
Propagating Dragon Tree: Instructions
Method 1: plant immediately
The part of the stem that is already rooted can be planted in the ground immediately. It grows easily and sprout quickly. All other cuttings can also be planted directly in the ground, but require further attention for successful propagation.
1. First let the offshoots and cuttings dry for 24 hours.
2. Fill plant pots with a mixture of soil and sand.
3. Wet this soil mix with a liberal amount of water.
4. Insert the cuttings or cuttings about one third into the moist sand mixture.
5. Seal the protruding ends of the cuttings with wax.
6. Place a clear foil bag over the cuttings.
7. Put the pots in a light and warm place.
8. During the following weeks, make sure that the soil stays well moist.
9. Remove the foil bag as soon as the first shoots appear. This will usually be the case after about 3 to 4 weeks.
10. Now the small dragon trees should get some fertilizer.
11. After a beautiful green crown has developed, you can repot the young plants in commercially available potting soil.
tip: Be sure to note the direction of growth of the trunk. The lower part of the trunk must also be treated as the lower part of the cutting. Only then will roots form. Upside down trunk parts do not take root.
Method 2: propagate with water rooting
Propagating the dragon tree using pure water rooting is special promising. This method is ideal for beginners in this field. First offshoots and cuttings are obtained and left to dry for 24 hours. Only then are they placed in a water vessel.
- choose a dark, lightproof container
- fill with warm water
- Place offshoots in the jar
- move to a warm location
- bright but without direct sun
- change the water every few days
When enough roots have formed, the offshoots can be planted. You are content with normal potting soil. A warm and bright location immediately provides a decent growth spurt. The green shoots will not be long in coming.
notice: Special rooting hormones are superfluous when propagating the dragon tree, since its cuttings root reliably even if left untreated.
maintenance
If the offshoot is well rooted and the first green shoots appear, you have done everything right up to that point. Stay tuned, the work is not over yet. Even though the little dracaena looks like a ready-made miniature dragon tree, she still has a fair amount of growth ahead of her. Continue to offer her optimal conditions so that the good start continues.
- high humidity (spray with water occasionally)
- light and warmth
- no direct sun
- water and fertilize regularly
rest break
After your old dragon palm has donated new plants in the form of cuttings and runners, it should be given a generous rest. It takes a lot of strength to sprout again after cutting. In addition, every pruning measure carries a risk of infection with pathogens. Therefore, let the mother plant gather strength for at least two years before you ask her for new plants.
Dragon tree, Dracaena deremensis