Dracaena cinnabari aka Socotra Dragontree

Taxonomy

Dracaena cinnabari, also known as the Socotra dragon tree or dragon blood tree, is a slow-growing, tropical evergreen native to the Socotra archipelago in Yemen. This unique tree gets its name from the red sap it produces, which resembles blood. In its natural habitat, it can reach heights of up to 10m, but it tends to be smaller when cultivated. The mature tree boasts a thick trunk and branching stems that bear clusters of slender, strap-shaped leaves, forming a dense, umbrella-shaped canopy. In early spring, it blooms with small, greenish-white flowers, followed by round green berries that eventually turn orange. The genus name Dracaena is derived from the Greek term for 'female dragon' due to the resemblance of some plants' thick, red resin to dragon blood. Dracaenas are native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, and they are renowned for their low maintenance requirements. These plants can survive for months without water and thrive in low sunlight conditions.

Common names

Socotra Dragontree, Dragon's Blood Tree

How to care for Socotra Dragontree

Water

Socotra Dragontree does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

Socotra Dragontree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Socotra Dragontree can survive in low light conditions, making them ideal for rooms that are far from windows or other light sources. However, for best results, place the plant less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Socotra Dragontree plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

Socotra Dragontree prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Socotra Dragontree is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Region of origin

Socotra Dragontree’s native range is Africa to Southern Asia and Australia.


More info:
Wikipedia