Guide to Growing Dragons Tongue Plant in a Pot

Dragon’s tongue plant, also known as dracaena marginata, is a popular indoor plant known for its narrow, pointed leaves that resemble the tongue of a dragon. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a pot and add an exotic touch to any room. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about growing dragon’s tongue plant in a pot.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step in growing dragon’s tongue plant in a pot is choosing the right container. You want to select a pot that is slightly larger than the current size of your plant. A pot that is too big can lead to overwatering and root rot, while a pot that is too small can stunt the growth of the plant.

Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. If your pot doesn’t have drainage holes, you can create them using a drill or hammer and nail.

Soil and Fertilizer

Dragon’s tongue plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. You can use a high-quality potting mix or create your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Fertilize your dragon’s tongue plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant goes into dormancy.

Watering

Water your dragon’s tongue plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater as this can cause root rot. Allow excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot and empty any excess water from the saucer under the pot.

Light Requirements

Dragon’s tongue plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch their leaves. If your plant is getting too much light, you may notice brown, crispy edges on the leaves. If it’s not getting enough light, the leaves may turn yellow and drop.

Temperature and Humidity

Dragon’s tongue plants prefer temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). They can tolerate lower temperatures but don’t like to be exposed to drafts or cold air.

They also prefer moderate humidity levels. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.

Pruning

Prune your dragon’s tongue plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves. You can also trim back any leggy growth to encourage bushier growth. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Propagation

You can propagate dragon’s tongue plants by taking stem cuttings. Cut a stem that is at least 6 inches long and has several leaves attached. Remove the bottom leaves and place the stem in water or moist soil until it roots. Once it has rooted, you can transplant it into a pot.

FAQ

How often should I fertilize my dragon’s tongue plant?

Can I keep my dragon’s tongue plant outside?

Dragon’s tongue plants are tropical plants that prefer warm temperatures and moderate humidity. They can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates but should be brought indoors during colder months.

Why are the leaves on my dragon’s tongue plant turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves on a dragon’s tongue plant can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Yellowing leaves can also be a sign of low light levels or pest infestations.

Can I prune my dragon’s tongue plant?

Yes, you can prune your dragon’s tongue plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves. You can also trim back any leggy growth to encourage bushier growth. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.