Plant of the Month January 2026: Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco)
Photo Credit: DeAgostini/Getty Images
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Dracaena draco, commonly known as the Dragon Tree, is an iconic and visually striking indoor plant with a unique appearance accompanied by a rich history. It is renowned for its sculptural beauty, longevity, and resilience, making it a fascinating subject of both botanical interest and landscape design.
The Dragon Tree is known as a “Symbol of Strength and Survival.” Its drought-tolerant nature makes it perfect for busy individuals or those new to plant care. This hardy slow-growing houseplant is known for its incredible air purifying qualities. In Feng Shui, the spirit of the Dragon Tree is also thought to bring good luck and prosperity. DETAILS: Growing Conditions: Sun: Dragon trees prefer bright, indirect light, with average household humidity and warmer temperatures (65-80°F). Avoid direct sun which can scorch the leaves, especially in summer. Optimal location is a west or east-facing window, or a south-facing window with sheer curtains/blinds. Water: Drier conditions. Use a well-draining potting mix. Water consistently, but only when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid over-watering, as it can lead to root rot. Maintenance: Low. Fertilize sparingly, once in spring and once in summer, and reduce watering in the cooler months when the plant is dormant. Tolerates: Sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Can tolerate lower light levels and lower humidity. Description / Characteristics: In its’ natural habitat the tree can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet, with a spread of 3 to 10 feet. Indoors, they can be kept smaller, around 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, depending on pot size and trimming. Very slow growing, these plants can take 10 years to reach ~4ft height. Bloom: Blooms on mature plants (10years+) in spring or early summer, producing small, white or greenish-white, fragrant flowers, but flowering is more common for outdoor plants than for those grown indoors. After flowering, plants may develop orange-red berries that are poisonous if consumed. Pests & Disease: Dragon Tree houseplants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Fungal leaf spot and root rot can also occur. Toxicity: Toxic to animals, particularly cats and dogs. Do not consume berries. Common Names: Dragon Tree, Dragon Blood Plant, Origin: Native to Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, and western Morocco. |
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Plant of the Month December 2025: American Wintergreen (Gaultheria Procumbens)
| plant_of_the_month__december_2025__american_wintergreen.pdf |
Plant of The Month November 2025: Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
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Plant of The Month October 2025: Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
| plant_of_the_month_october_2025_calendula.pdf |
Plant of The Month September 2025: Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum)
| anise_hyssop_-_agastache__final_sept_2025.pdf |
Plant of The Month August 2025: Primrose polyantha (Primula x polyantha)
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Plant of The Month July 2025: Anouk Lavender (Lavandula stoechas “Anouk”
| plant_of_month_july_2025-_anouk_lavender.pdf |
Plant of The Month June 2025: Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
| plant_of_the_month_june_2025_pom_fiddle_leaf_fig.pdf |
Plant of the Month May 2025 - Large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandiflora)
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Plant of The Month April 2025: Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) (formerly Dicentra spectabilis)
| plant_of_the_month_april_2025_bleeding_heart.pdf |
Plant of the Month March 2025 – Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
| plant_of_the_month_march_2025_rubber_plant.pdf |
Plant of the Month February 2025 – Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
| plant_of_the_month_february_2025__tuliptree.pdf |
Plant of the Month January 2025 – Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
| plant_of_the_month_january_2025__chinquapin_oak.pdf |
Plant of The Month December 2024: Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata)
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Plant of The Month November 2024: Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
| plant_of_the_month_-_nov._2024_cercis_canadensis.pdf |
Plant of The Month October 2024: Fothergilla Shrub. (Fothergilla gardenii)
| plant_of_the_month_oct_2024_fothergilla.pdf |
Plant of The Month September 2024: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium)
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Plant of the Month August 2024: Gray Headed Coneflower/Pinnate prairie coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
| plant_of_the_month_august_2024_ratibida_pinnata.pdf |
Plant of the Month June 2024: Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
| plant_of_the_month_july_2024_hairy_beardtongue.pdf |
Plant of the Month May 2024: Serviceberry Tree (Amelanchier).
| serviceberry_plant_of_the_month_may_2024.pdf |
Plant of the Month April 2024: Lungwort or Bethlehem Sage/ Pulmonaria sp.
| lungwort_plant_of_the_month_april_2024.pdf |
Plant of The Month March 2024: Ozark witch hazel/Hamamelis vernalis
| march_2024_plant_of_the_month_ozark_witch_hazel.pdf |
Plant of The Month February 2024: Daphne mezereum/February daphne
| plant_of_the_month_feb_2024_daphne_mezereum_.pdf |
Plant of The Month January 2024: Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) Shrub
| red_osier_dogwood_january_2024.pdf |