It can be scary to see your dragon tree’s bright green leaves turn yellow. Don’t worry, though. With the right care, your plant will be healthy again in no time. Here are some of the most common reasons why dragon tree leaves turn yellow and how to fix them.
Overwatering and Underwatering
One of the main reasons for yellow leaves is not enough watering. Dragon trees like evenly moist soil but hate being waterlogged. If you water too much, the soil stays wet and the roots can’t get air. This encourages fungal diseases and bacteria leading to yellowing leaves.
On the flip side, underwatering causes similar issues. When the plant is stressed from lack of water, the lower leaves yellow first. As underwatering persists, leaves crisp up, wilt and fall off.
To fix this
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Check soil moisture before watering, Only water when the top inch is dry
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Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s bottom.
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Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
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Water more frequently in summer and reduce in winter.
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Improve drainage by mixing soil with perlite or orchid bark.
Excessive Light
Dragon trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much harsh direct sun can scorch the leaves, making them yellow and brown. New growth may be stunted.
Here’s what to do:
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Filter sunlight with sheer curtains.
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Move the plant farther from south/west windows.
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Provide light shade outdoors in summer.
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Rotate the pot weekly to distribute light evenly.
Low Humidity
Dry air causes leaf tips and margins to brown and yellow. This spreads without adequate humidity. While misting helps temporarily, long-term solutions are better.
To increase humidity:
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Use a humidifier to maintain 40-60% humidity.
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Place plants together to improve local humidity.
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Keep plants away from heating/AC vents.
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Reduce drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Temperature Fluctuations
Sudden temperature drops from cold drafts or moving the plant between indoors and outdoors can shock dragon trees. This leads to yellowing leaves and dry, brown spots.
Here’s what to do:
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Keep the plant at stable temps between 65-80°F.
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Avoid cold drafts from windows, vents, doors.
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Gradually move plants between indoors and outdoors.
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Give outdoor plants shade in summer.
Underfeeding
Without enough fertilizer, dragon trees lack nutrients. Lower leaves yellow and drop off as the plant self-cannibalizes. Growth slows down.
To fix this:
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Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring/summer with diluted liquid fertilizer.
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Flush soil monthly to prevent salt buildup.
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Fertilize monthly or stop feeding over winter.
Root Damage
Repotting and handling dragon trees can damage the delicate root system. This affects the plant’s ability to take in nutrients, causing yellowing leaves.
To prevent this:
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Be very gentle when repotting. Avoid disturbing roots.
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Prune only a few circled/tangled roots before repotting.
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Prune the top growth proportionately if root pruning is needed.
Pests
Sucking pests like mealybugs, mites and scales can cause yellow spots or stippling on leaves. Check leaf undersides for stickiness or webbing.
To manage pests:
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Isolate and prune off infested parts.
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Remove pests with strong water spray, insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Apply treatments monthly until pests are gone.
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Maintain good sanitation practices.
Age-Related Decline
As lower leaves age naturally, it’s normal for them to yellow and drop off. This allows the plant to focus energy on new growth. It happens faster if care is improper.
To minimize this:
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Promptly remove spent leaves.
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Provide ideal growing conditions to encourage new foliage.
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Repotting into fresh soil rejuvenates the plant.
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As long as new leaves grow, old leaf loss is normal.
Diseases Like Soft Rot
Fungal diseases like soft rot can cause leaves to yellow, wilt and drop. Affected stems feel soft and smell fishy or foul. Unfortunately, these cannot be cured so removal is required to stop spread.
With the right troubleshooting and care, yellow leaves don’t have to be the end for your dragon tree. Identify the underlying cause and take corrective action to restore your plant’s health and beauty. Proper care will reward you with a gorgeous specimen for years to come!
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.
It is less likely given your plants appearance that watering frequency is an issue, but you will be the best judge by examining the brown areas carefully. Brown spots and crisp edges of the leaves accompanied by leaf curl and stem weakness are symptoms of underwatering. 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.
There is also a bacterial disease called leaf spot that may be present if overwatering, chilling and insufficient light are affecting your plant. 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.
You should also be aware that dracaena leaves yellow and fall off as they get old so you will see the lower leaves deteriorate as they get to be a year or so old.
You can find more information on the care of this plant in our Guide to Dracaena.
Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information
5 Reasons why your Dracaena leaves turning yellow
FAQ
How often should you water a dragon tree?
Water generously once a week or until the top two inches of soil are dried out. Using a liquid fertilizer that is only half as strong every two weeks in the summer can also help plants grow the most. Reduce watering and stop feeding during the colder autumn and winter when the plant will go largely dormant.
How do I fix yellow leaves on my tree?
As is often the case, the best things to do about summer leaf yellowing are things that are done before summer arrives. Regular mulching and fertilizing, careful pruning, correct irrigation, and always planting the right tree in the right place are some of the things that are needed to take care of trees.
What does an overwatered dracena look like?
It means you gave your Dracaena marginata too much water if the leaves turn yellow and fall off.