El Drago

El Drago only needs to be watered regularly when the soil is dry. Water the plant until the water runs out from the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and damage the plant. In the winter months, only water El Drago once every two weeks as a general rule of thumb.

El Drago prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be positioned in a well-lit location. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but should be protected from harsh direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. However, too little light can make the stems leggy and cause yellowing of the leaves. Move the plant closer to the window in the winter months when sunlight is limited.

El Drago prefers temperatures between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). During the winter months, El Drago can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, down to 50-degrees Fahrenheit (10°C).

El Drago does not require high humidity levels and can tolerate average indoor humidity levels. However, misting with warm water several times a week will encourage healthy growth.

El Drago prefers to be planted in a well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix. A combination of potting soil, sand, and perlite works well. Avoid using peat moss as it retains too much moisture for this type of plant.

El Drago should be fertilized once a month during the spring and summer months using a cactus/succulent fertilizer. Use a diluted solution and water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months as it is not needed at this time.

The most common pests affecting El Drago plants are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaf damage and discoloration. Mealybugs and spider mites can be removed by physically wiping them off the plant with a damp cloth. Scale insects can be treated with a solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil. All treatments should be repeated as needed for the best results.

Young El Drago plants should be repotted every two years using fresh, well-draining potting soil, preferably a cactus/succulent mix. Older plants may not need to be repotted as often. When repotting, make sure to place a layer of gravel or stones in the base of the pot to help with drainage.

When pruning El Drago, remove dull leaves and old stems that are not developing new leaves. It is important to always use clean scissors or pruners to reduce the risk of spreading bacterial or fungal diseases to the plant. Avoid pruning too much as this can lead to poor growth.

Mulching the top of the soil can help maintain moisture levels and keep the soil cooler. If you do opt to mulch, make sure to avoid mulching too close to the stem of the plant as it may rot.

El Drago can be propagated easily from stem cuttings. Cut about 4-inches from a stem and remove any leaves from the bottom half. Place the cutting in a cactus/succulent potting mix, water lightly and place in a warm, bright location. Do not place the cutting in direct sunlight, however. The cutting will root within a few weeks.

When grown indoors, El Drago can become quite tall. It is important to provide a stake or other support for the plant to help it stay upright. Staking the plant will also help protect it from wind and heavy rain.

El Drago does not need a rest period, as it is evergreen. However, extra watering, fertilizing, and repotting should be avoided during the winter months to avoid stressing the plant.

El Drago is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and can cause serious medical issues. Keep these plants out of reach of pets.