{"product_id":"drageblodstrae-dracaena-draco-fro-6-stk","title":"Dragon Blood Tree (Dracaena draco) | seeds, 10 pcs.","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eLatin name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDanish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dragetræ, drageblodstræ, drageblodtræ\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drago, Canary Islands dragon tree\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as the dragon blood tree, is a distinctive and slow-growing tree native to the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Morocco. Today, the species is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in warm regions across the world and is known for its impressive longevity – some records describe specimens up to 6,000 years old on Tenerife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tree has a raw and almost sculptural appearance, which can resemble large agaves. It is evergreen and develops a greyish, thick trunk and long, lanceolate green leaves that grow in dense rosettes at the ends of the branches. Over time, the tree can reach up to 15 meters in height and develop a characteristic, almost umbrella-shaped crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth is slow and distinctive: a single trunk typically grows for 10–15 years before branching for the first time. After each flowering, the plant branches further, which gives the tree its iconic structure. When the plant is old enough, it produces inflorescences with small, white flowers, which later develop into orange berries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name “dragon blood tree” stems from the red resin that the tree secretes when damaged. This so-called dragon’s blood has historically been used as a dye, varnish, and in traditional applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several geographical varieties of the species:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003edraco\u003c\/em\u003e – from Madeira and the Canary Islands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003eajgal\u003c\/em\u003e – from Morocco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e subsp. \u003cem\u003ecaboverdeana\u003c\/em\u003e – from Cape Verde\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA previously assumed subspecies from Gran Canaria is now described as an independent species, \u003cem\u003eDracaena tamaranae\u003c\/em\u003e, which, with very few individuals left in the wild, is considered one of Europe's rarest plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are interested in related species with a more tropical and fast-growing appearance, you can also look at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/sydafrikansk-drageplante-dracaena-aletriformis-fro-10-stk?\" title=\"South African dragon plant (Dracaena aletriformis) | seeds\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena aletriformis\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, which differs in its softer growth and less sculptural form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation and requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e thrives best in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun to very bright locations\u003c\/strong\u003e and prefers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003every well-drained, preferably sandy or mineral-rich soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003esparse watering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003edry and warm conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant is ideal in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/kaktus-og-sukkulent-mix-5-l\" title=\"Cactus \u0026amp; Succulent soil (5 L)\"\u003ecactus and succulent soil\u003c\/a\u003e, which ensures optimal drainage and reduces the risk of rot. During the growing season, a mild, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.dk\/products\/okologisk-godning-kaktus\" title=\"Organic fertilizer (cactus)\"\u003eorganic cactus fertilizer\u003c\/a\u003e can be applied to support healthy and stable development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant is \u003cstrong\u003enot fully hardy in Denmark\u003c\/strong\u003e, but can tolerate brief, light frost, especially if kept dry. It is best grown as a \u003cstrong\u003epotted plant\u003c\/strong\u003e, where it can be kept outdoors in the summer months and overwintered in a bright, cool, and frost-free place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with many succulent-like plants, overwatering is a greater risk than drying out, especially during the winter period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCultivation from seeds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeds of \u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e germinate best under warm and stable conditions. For best results, we recommend:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003esoaking in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003esowing in a light, well-drained, and mineral soil mix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003etemperature of 20–25 °C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ekeeping the soil slightly moist, but not wet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermination typically occurs within \u003cstrong\u003e2–6 weeks\u003c\/strong\u003e. The young plants grow slowly but develop their characteristic, stiff leaves early on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eUtility and collector value\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e is primarily grown as an \u003cstrong\u003eornamental and collector plant\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is especially its unique growth habit, long lifespan, and historical significance that make the species so sought after.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a seedling, it is a long-term project, but that is exactly what makes the plant extra interesting – you get the opportunity to follow the development of an iconic tree over many years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDracaena draco\u003c\/em\u003e is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow one of the world's most characterful and historical trees entirely from seed – a sculptural species with both botanical and cultural depth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"a Piece of Nature","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44401139024140,"sku":"EF-AH-005","price":5.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0675\/6728\/8588\/files\/Dracaenadraco_Drageblodstrae_4.jpg?v=1682608309","url":"https:\/\/www.apieceofnature.eu\/en\/products\/drageblodstrae-dracaena-draco-fro-6-stk","provider":"a Piece of Nature","version":"1.0","type":"link"}