People love dragon trees, which are also called Dracaena marginata, because they have thin, straight stems and beautiful, v-shaped clusters of long, narrow leaves. However, dragon tree leaves can sometimes turn brown, even though they look beautiful.
When my dragon tree’s leaves turn brown, I know that something is wrong with how I’m taking care of it. You can get your dragon tree healthy again and stop more leaves from turning brown by finding and fixing the root cause.
What Causes Dragon Tree Leaves to Turn Brown?
There are several possible causes for a dragon tree’s leaves turning brown
Underwatering
Insufficient watering is the most common reason for browning dracaena leaves. Dragon trees prefer lightly moist soil and should be watered whenever the top few inches of soil become dry If allowed to dry out for too long, the leaves will start to turn brown from the tips downward
To keep my dragon tree from drowning, I make sure to give it a lot of water whenever the topsoil starts to feel dry. This keeps the soil evenly moist.
Overwatering
While underwatering causes brown leaf tips, overwatering can lead to brown spots or streaks on the leaf blades. Excess moisture prevents the roots from getting air, making them prone to rot.
I only water when the topsoil is mostly dry and use containers with drainage holes to keep plants from getting too wet. I also use a potting mix that is rough and well-aerated to help the soil drain better.
Low Humidity
Dragon trees thrive in humid conditions. In dry indoor air, the leaf tips often turn brown and shrivel up.
To boost humidity, I mist the leaves daily, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier. Grouping plants together also raises local humidity levels.
Cold Drafts
As tropical plants, dragon trees are sensitive to low temperatures and cold drafts. Exposure to temperatures below 50°F can cause the foliage to turn brown.
I keep my dragon tree away from drafty windows, vents, and air conditioners. If needed, I move it to a warmer location.
Sunburn
While dragon trees can tolerate partial sun, too much direct sun will scorch and brown the leaves. If this happens, I move my plant to a shadier spot.
Fluoride Toxicity
Dragon trees are sensitive to fluoride, which can build up in the soil from tap water and fertilizers containing superphosphate. Eventually, fluoride toxicity causes the leaf tips and margins to turn brown.
To prevent fluoride toxicity, I use distilled or rainwater rather than tap water. I also avoid fertilizers with superphosphate.
Pests
Sucking insects like mealybugs, aphids, and scale can infest dragon trees and feed on the foliage, causing browning. I check the undersides of leaves and stem joints for any pest clusters. Using horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps controls infestations.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like leaf spot can cause brown spots on dragon tree leaves. These spots often have yellow halos. To reduce disease risk, I improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. As prevention, I apply fungicides.
How to Treat and Prevent Brown Dragon Tree Leaves
Once I’ve diagnosed the cause of leaf browning, I take these steps to restore my plant’s health and stop further damage:
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Adjust the watering schedule based on the plant’s needs. I water thoroughly but allow the topsoil to partly dry out between waterings.
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Improve humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier. Grouping plants together also raises humidity.
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Move the plant away from heat vents, drafty areas, and direct sunlight. I maintain nighttime temperatures above 50°F.
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I use distilled or rainwater instead of tap water to prevent fluoride toxicity. I avoid potting soils and fertilizers with perlite or superphosphate.
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I inspect regularly for pests and use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to control infestations. I isolate infected plants.
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I remove diseased foliage, improve air flow, and water from below to prevent fungal diseases. I apply fungicides preventively.
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I fertilize lightly every 2-3 weeks during the growing season using a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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I prune away any leaves or stems that remain brown to improve the plant’s appearance.
With the proper adjustments to care, a dragon tree typically produces new, healthy foliage within a few weeks. Consistent care focused on providing adequate moisture, humidity, light, and pest/disease control will keep a dragon tree looking its best for years.
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