Dragon Tree Species: The Best Species (overview)

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The dragon tree is a popular indoor plant with a variety of different dragon tree species. We introduce the most popular and beautiful species. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena) can be found in over fifty different species.

The genus belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is widely distributed. The appearance of the dragon tree varies in size, leaf shape, and color. We list the most popular and beautiful species for you and name special features.

Dracaena Reflexa

It is probably the most popular species among the dragon trees. The appearance of Dracaena reflexa is synonymous with the genus of dragon trees with its long, pointed, usually two-colored leaves. Until some time ago the species was called Dracaena marginata. Nowadays Dracaena marginata is only a subspecies of Dracaena reflexa, whose subspecies differ in leaf color.

dracaena reflexa

Dracaena Deremensis

This species stands out due to its relatively broad leaves, which are usually edged with a bright edge. The slightly matt to glossy leaves tend to stand upright in the first leaf section, while they drop slightly towards the tip. Dracaena deremensis grows to a height of 80 to 100 cm.

The leaves of Dracaena deremensis are somewhat broader

Dracaena Compacta

Dracaena compacta, also known as Pineapple Dracaena, is in fact not a species in itself, but a cultivar that comes from the species Dracaena deremensis. It is characterized by its deep green and dense foliage, which is increasingly erect. The growth height of this variety varies in space from 80 to 90cm.

By the way: In the 70s NASA experimented with this dragon tree variety and proved that it cleans the air in the room effectively. However, the other species and varieties do the same, which is why they have been a long-time favorite in our living rooms.

The Dracaena compacta is slightly smaller

Dracaena Fragans

The species Dracaena fragans is also a very popular dragon tree species and can be found in many living rooms. With the right care and the right temperatures, it even develops a strong-smelling flower – but this is rarely successful. The leaves are slightly bulbous, glossy, and often have green variegation.

Tip: Dracaena fragans can also be grown wonderfully in hydroponics. For allergy sufferers, in particular, dispensing with soil as a plant substrate can offer many advantages. It also reduces the risk of waterlogging.

The Dracaena fragrans is also a classic among the dragon trees

Dracaena Draco

The subspecies Dracaena draco is often called the Canarian Dragon Tree because it can be found in the Canary Islands in the subtropical climate also outdoors. Dracaena draco is rather an exotic tree in German living rooms. This species is characterized by its long, sword-shaped leaves with reddish, variegated edges. Dracaena draco reaches heights of up to 1.60 m.

This dragon tree on Tenerife is over 1000 years old

Dracaena Surculosa

This species is optically a small exotic among the dragon trees. Dracaena surculosa looks more like a small bamboo due to its growth habit. The origins of this species lie in the tropical regions of Africa, which is why Dracaena surculosa likes to keep warm until today. The temperature should always be above 15 °C. The leaves are comparatively broad with a speckled pattern.

The Dracaena surculosa with its spotted leaves

Dragon Tree As Bonsai?

At first glance, the Dragon Tree is not suitable as bonsai material, as it produces relatively large leaves proportional to its growth height. It is therefore difficult to create the illusion of a miniature tree (or miniature palm tree) despite its short trunk. However, it is advantageous that you do not have to start with a very young specimen if you want to raise a dragon tree bonsai.

The Dracaena can also be kept as a bonsai

Even at an advanced stage of growth, the Dragon Tree tolerates a radical trimming of the trunk, so you can cut it back to the desired size.

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