If you’re looking for a total win for your indoor jungle, look no further than the Dragon Tree (Dracaena). These beauties are stunning to look at and incredibly low-maintenance. However, don’t let their “easy-going” reputation fool you when it comes to placement—picking the wrong spot with too much direct sun can actually spell trouble for your leafy friend.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Even though they have exotic roots, Dragon Trees aren’t huge fans of baking in the sun all day. Keep this in mind when choosing a location: while a south-facing window might seem like a nice gesture, it can actually be a bit too intense for the plant’s health. Instead, aim for a bright spot with plenty of indirect light. To keep your Dragon Tree truly happy, keep these factors in mind too:
- Keep room temperatures as steady as possible
- Protect it from chilly drafts
- Maintain a decent humidity level
Not All Dragon Trees Are the Same
There isn’t just one “standard” Dragon Tree out there; you’ll find a whole variety of shapes and colors. This is actually pretty important because different types have slightly different needs. For example, varieties with reddish leaves can usually handle a bit more UV light than those with deep, solid green leaves. It all comes down to the chlorophyll levels in the foliage. So, take a look at your home’s lighting situation before deciding which variety to bring home!
Give It a Little Spin
Dragon Trees are notorious for reaching toward the light. While too much sun is bad, too much shade can lead to a lopsided, crooked plant. You can always fix a “wonky” look by pruning your Dragon Tree, but it’s easier to prevent it in the first place. Once you’ve found that perfect indirect light source, just make sure to rotate the pot regularly. This keeps the plant from stretching in one direction and ensures it grows nice and straight.
The Bottom Line: Low Effort, Big Payoff
The Dragon Tree is a real “set it and forget it” kind of plant. Even its sensitivity to sun isn’t a dealbreaker—you’re bound to have a perfect corner for it somewhere in your house. And if your place is particularly sunny, you can just opt for one of the more sun-tolerant varieties. Getting the lighting right is a small step, but it makes a massive difference in how healthy and vibrant your plant will look.
