Dracaena draco, also known as the “Dragon Tree”, or “Dragon's Blood Tree” is a drought-tolerant tree-like plant that can grow to become a stunning garden specimen or indoor plan. Native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira, Dracaena draco grows a ringed succulent trunk topped by clustered flexible sword-like blue-green leaves. Generally unbranched until it flowers, Dracaena draco then produces branches from the sides of its inflorescence. The leaf scars on its trunk resemble a reptile’s skin, and when cut, the tree ‘bleeds’ a deep red sap known as ‘Dragons Blood’. The dark red sap was regarded for centuries in European legends as the blood of dragons and was often used for its supposed magical and medicinal qualities. This resin is still used today to produce incense and varnishes used to stain and polish wood. Dracaena draco is the symbol of the island of Tenerife. It grows well in full sun or part shade, and needs good drainage. It adapts well to container growing, and is hardy down to the low 20s or high teens Fahrenheit. Hardy and drought tolerant, Dracaena draco can adapt well to extreme heat, winds and ocean salty weather.
Growing Instructions
- Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
- Soak the seed in water for several hours.
- Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite.
- Put the mixture in a pot with drainage holes in the base.
- Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
- Put the seeds on the soil.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds and keep the soil moist but not wet.
- Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun.