The dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is a popular houseplant admired for its attractive spear-shaped foliage However, yellowing leaves are not only unsightly but can indicate underlying problems
If your dragon tree is developing yellow leaves, don’t panic. There are several common reasons this can occur, along with things you can do to restore the plant’s health and vigor
1. Underwatering
Dragon trees prefer consistently moist (but not wet) soil. Underwatering causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and become crisp or shriveled first. As the condition worsens leaves will fall off and remaining foliage looks dull.
Check the soil moisture before watering. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Increase watering frequency in summer or warmer rooms.
2. Overwatering
While dragon trees need regular moisture, saturated soil denies roots oxygen. Prolonged overwatering causes yellowing leaves, leaf drop, slow growth, and eventual root rot.
Allow the potting mix to partly dry between waterings. Water less in winter when growth slows. Improve drainage by repotting in a mix amended with perlite or orchid bark. Discard any mushy or foul-smelling roots.
3. Excessive Light
Dragon trees perform best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun scorches leaves, turning them yellow then brown. New leaves may be smaller.
Filter sunlight through a sheer curtain. Move the pot farther away from south or west-facing windows. Light shade under a tree is ideal outdoors in summer. Rotate the pot weekly to evenly distribute light exposure.
4. Low Humidity
Dry indoor air during winter can cause leaf tips to turn brown or yellow. This spreads along the margins without proper humidity. Misting helps but is only temporary.
Use a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain 40-50% humidity. Group plants together to boost local moisture levels. Keep away from heating/AC vents. Limit drafts and temperature fluctuations.
5. Drafts and Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature drops from cold windows, open doors, or being placed outside can shock dragon trees. Leaves respond by yellowing or developing dry, brown spots.
Keep in a stable environment between 65-80°F. Avoid drafts from windows, vents or under doors. Move plants gradually between indoors and outdoors to acclimate them. Provide shade for outdoor plants.
6. Underfeeding
Like most plants, dragon trees need fertilizer to thrive. Without adequate nutrients, lower leaves gradually turn yellow and drop as the plant cannibalizes itself. Growth slows down.
Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Flush the soil monthly to prevent salt buildup. In fall and winter, fertilize monthly or cease feeding.
7. Potbound Roots
If the rootball is dense and roots emerge from the drainage holes, the plant is potbound. This prevents proper air and water circulation. Leaves yellow from stress.
Replant in a container one size larger, using fresh potting mix amended with compost or worm castings. Trim off any circled or tangled roots before repotting. Space waterings further apart in a large pot.
8. Pests
Insects such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites suck sap and cause yellow stippling or spots. Undersides of leaves may feel sticky or cottony from honeydew and webbing.
Isolate and prune off infested parts. Remove pests with a strong stream of water, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic pesticide. Apply monthly until pests are gone. Ensure good plant hygiene going forward.
9. Age-Related Decline
As lower leaves naturally age, they yellow and fall off over time. This is normal senescence, allowing the plant to focus energy on new growth. But it happens faster without proper care.
Always remove spent leaves promptly. Provide good moisture, humidity, light, and nutrition to encourage new foliage. Repotting into fresh soil also rejuvenates root growth. As long as new leaves grow, old leaf loss is nothing to worry about.
With its graceful shape and resilience, the dragon tree makes an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. By addressing any underlying issues and providing consistent care, those yellowing leaves should return to their vibrant green beauty.
LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Help
I think I might be over watering, but wanted to see if you have any advice. Im unfamiliar with this variety, so am unsure of its care.
Dracaena plants need the same things every time: bright or filtered sunlight, regular watering at the roots, a monthly feeding during the growing season (March to October), and a room with enough humidity.
Lack of humidity is one of the most common reasons for problems with dracaena. Leaf tips turning brown accompanied by leaf loss and yellowing leaf margins are indicative of low humidity. Placing your plant on top of a dish filled with small stones and water will improve plant humidity. (Do not allow the water to touch the bottom of the plant pot). Spray daily with a mister; consider the use of a humidifier in the driest months.
Exposure to a source of cold air (open window, air conditioner) can produce the same effect. If your plant is right at the window, the cold nights may be adversely affecting it.
Based on how your plants look, it’s less likely that too little or too much watering is the problem. But you can be sure by closely looking at the brown spots. When plants are underwater, they get brown spots and crisp edges on their leaves, as well as leaf curl and weak stems. This is less likely to be the issue with your plant since the leaves look mostly straight and strong. You are giving the plants too much water if there are soft spots on the leaves and any rotting, wilting, or bleaching.
Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that may be present if your plant is being hurt by too much water, too much cold, or not enough light. Look for damp or blistered areas on the leaves to determine whether you have leaf spot. If so, remove affected plant material and increase temperature, light, ventilation and reduce watering frequency.
Also, you should know that dracaena leaves turn yellow and fall off when they get old. This means that the lower leaves will start to break down after about a year.
You can find more information on the care of this plant in our Guide to Dracaena.
Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information