Dragon's Tail Plant

Due to its tropical origin, Dragon's Tail Plant likes to remain constantly moist. Because of this, it’s best to keep the potting soil moist but not soggy to prevent rot and fungal outbreaks. Water it as soon as the top centimeter or so of the soil is dry. If the leaves start to yellow and fall off, it’s a sign that the plant is receiving too little or too much water.

The Dragon's Tail plant needs bright indirect light all year round. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, so it's best to keep it out of direct sunlight. If the light is too low, the foliage will become faded or yellowish. Moving the plant closer to the window and periodically rotating the pot can help keep the foliage looking nice.

Dragon's Tail Plant is not very tolerant of cold temperatures, preferring constant temperatures of 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27°C). Keep away from direct drafts of cold air or extreme temperatures, especially during the winter months. When temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, move your Dragon's Tail plant indoors.

This particular houseplant prefers high humidity levels of around 70-80% which can be difficult to maintain indoors. To increase humidity, mist the plant's leaves twice a day with a spray bottle, or place a room humidifier near the plant. It's best to avoid cold or dry drafts of air.

Dragon's Tail Plant prefers a well-draining, airy potting mix that is slightly acidic, with a pH level of 5.5-6.5. A soil mix of equal parts sphagnum peat moss, loam, and perlite or vermiculite works well. Make sure to check the soil occasionally for signs of compaction and fluff it up with a spoon or gardening fork to loosen it.

Fertilizing Dragon's Tail Plant is generally not necessary, but if you feel the leaves are looking a bit dull, a diluted liquid fertilizer applied every other month can help to give them some extra nutrition. Make sure to use a fertilizer labeled for indoor plants, and follow the instructions given closely. Keep in mind that over-fertilizing can lead to wilting and yellowing of leaves.

Dragon's Tail Plant is vulnerable to a range of houseplant pests, including mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. To get rid of these bugs, remove the infested leaves or stems from the plant and dispose of them. The remaining plant can then be treated with insecticidal soap which will break up the pests’ waxy outer layer and kill them. You may also need to spritz the premeasured solution of insecticidal soap onto the entire plant up to three times to get the bugs out.

If you want your Dragon's Tail Plant to stay healthy and reach its full potential, it's best to repot every spring. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the previous pot and fill it with moist potting soil. Make sure to leave a little space between the pot and the soil to allow excess water to drain out. After repotting, excuse the plant from direct sunlight for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new home.

Dragon's Tail Plant should be regularly pruned to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged leaves. Generally, once a month is sufficient, but it may need to be trimmed back more often if the plant becomes too large. Use a pair of sharp, sterile pruning sheers to make the necessary cuts and remove any wayward stems that haven't been pruned properly.

Mulching can help keep the soil warm, reduce water loss, and discourage weeds from taking root. A layer of mulch no thicker than 1-2 inches should be applied to the top of the potting soil, but it should not come into contact with the plant itself. Organic mulch such as bark chips, pine needles, or shredded leaves work best.

Dragon's Tail Plant can be propagated either through stem cuttings or aerial roots. To propagate from stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut just below a leaf node with a pair of sharp, clean scissors. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and mist regularly. Aerial roots can be propagated the same way, and clipped to fit a pot if necessary.

As Dragon's Tail Plant can grow incredibly long and heavy, it's best to provide suitable support to ensure it won't topple over. A trellis or stake can be used, or small clips clipped onto the side of the pot can help prevent any wayward stems from drooping down.

Dragon's Tail Plant generally does not need a rest period. However, make sure to reduce watering during the winter months. The soil should be allowed to dry out a bit in between waterings, and misting should be done less often.

Dragon's Tail Plant is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). If eaten, it can cause vomiting, drooling, and difficulty breathing.