Is dragon plant an indoor plant? Yes, the Dragon Tail plant is commonly grown as an indoor plant. The Dragon Tail plant (Epipremnum pinnatum) is a stunning member of the Araceae family. It is known for its attractive foliage and adaptability.
This tropical plant begins as a ground dweller but climbs up trees as it matures. Its leaves come in various distinct shapes. In the Philippines, it is commonly called tibatib. It is also known as centipede tongavine or taro vine.
The Dragon Tail plant is popular among indoor gardeners due to its vibrant leaves. It requires low maintenance and is often used decoratively in homes and offices. Additionally, it acts as a natural air purifier.
Understanding the Dragon Tail Plant
It is a native plant of the humid forests of the Solomon Islands. Dragon Tail thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is an Araceae species whose glossy, elongated leaves mutate dramatically as the plant matures.
Younger leaves are smooth and oval; however, mature leaves tend to develop deep lobes that resemble a dragon’s tail.
Distinctive Features
Common Names: Dragon Tail, centipede tongavine, taro vine, tibatib.
Scientific Name: Epipremnum pinnatum
Family: Araceae
Origin: Solomon Islands
How Do You Take Care of a Dragon Tail Plant?
Lighting
The Dragon Tail thrives under bright indirect light. Ideally, it should be placed within a few meters from a window where it will be receiving adequate light but not scorching the leaves straight with direct sunlight.
While non-variegated types can be tolerant of lower light conditions, variegated types should receive at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight a day.
If the plant appears to be losing its variegation or becomes leggy with elongated stems between leaves, it is not receiving enough light.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant likes it warm between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). A Dragon Tail is tolerable but prefers moderate humidity.
Brown and crispy leaf edges may indicate the plant needs a more humid environment. Grouping plants together or making use of a pebble tray will help achieve the right humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
When you are potting your Dragon Tail, make sure to use a high-quality potting mix with good drainage. A mix that is especially formulated for indoor plants, for example, one that includes peat and perlite, balances moisture retention and aeration.
Ensure that your pot has holes in the bottom to prevent water from building up at the bottom of the container and causing root rot.
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How Much to Water Your Dragon Tail Plant
What keeps your Dragon Tail healthy is the regular watering routine. For growing seasons, spring and summer do maintain the moist but dry soil. Test the top 2-3 inches of the soil before watering.
If it is dry, then it needs watering. Keep the frequency lower for the dormant season in winter. Overwatering can be an instance of bringing about fungal problems and root rot, hence, it should be seen that excess water is drained away.
Fertilizing and Maintenance
For its healthy growth, the fertilizer for a Dragon Tail plant is applied every 4-6 weeks, while liquid fertilizer that is well-balanced is used during the growing season.
All nutrients for healthy growth come from an indoor plant product. Fertilizing can be reduced or stopped altogether in winter when it also has a slower growth pace.
Care to Leaves
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every month to dust and breathe for the plant. Prune any damaged or dying leaves to let new growth encourage itself in the right direction.
Training and Propagation
For the characteristic large, lobed leaves to develop, train your Dragon Tail to climb. You can give it a moss or coconut coir-matted totem pole to stimulate aerial root growth to make the leaves healthier and bigger.
The plant is highly propagated using cuttings from the stems. Clean, sharp scissors are used to take a portion of the stem that is at least attached to two leaves.
Place the cutting into the water while ensuring that the node at the bottom is under water. Within weeks or so, roots will start appearing, and you can transplant the cutting into potting mix.
Common Pests and Problems
While Dragon Tail is very tolerant, it does occasionally suffer from pest-related problems. Mealy bugs and aphids are both common pests that can attack any house plant.
So if you find distorted growth or notice a white cotton-like substance appearing on the leaves, take immediate treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot results from overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure proper drainage and change your watering habit when leaves turn yellow or the roots become mushy.
Is Dragon Tail Plant Toxic?
Like with most plants, the Dragon Tail is poisonous if ingested by humans or animals. Keep it out of the reach of little children and furry friends just in case.
Key Takeaways
Yellow-colored leaves indicate too much water, not enough water, or insufficient light. Unlike Rhaphidophora decursiva, Epipremnum pinnatum, also called Dragon Tail, is non-toxic.
Its benefits include air purification and ornamental value.
It loves bright indirect light but hates direct sunlight but can tolerate a root-bound existence, just giving it enough space to breathe and grow in an optimal manner.
This climber that can reach some feet in height really loves having something to climb on.
Final Thought
The Dragon Tail plant is surely one fascinatingly low-maintenance indoor gardening choice. With this type of unusual foliage morphology and a given climber by nature, you are sure to add something of tropical elegance to the space.
Follow these tips in this guide, and you will find yourselves well on your way to cultivating a thriving Dragon Tail plant with its beautiful foliage for years.
FAQs
What are the benefits of dragon tail plants?
Dragon tail plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove indoor toxins. They also make attractive decorative houseplants, providing aesthetic value with their unique leaf shape.
Is dragon tail plant fast growing?
Yes, dragon tail plants are considered fast-growing, particularly in optimal conditions with adequate warmth, humidity, and indirect light.
What is the real name of the dragon tail plant?
The real name of the dragon tail plant is Epipremnum pinnatum.
Do dragon tail plants like sun?
Dragon tail plants prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light, but they do not thrive in direct sunlight.
Do dragon tail plants like to be root bound?
Dragon tail plants can tolerate being root bound, but they grow better when they have enough space for their roots to spread.
Is dragon tail philodendron toxic?
Yes, the dragon tail plant (Epipremnum pinnatum) is considered toxic if ingested, particularly to pets and humans.
Do dragon tail plants flower?
Dragon tail plants can flower under ideal conditions, but this is rare when grown indoors.
Why is my dragon tail plant dying?
Common reasons for a dying dragon tail plant include overwatering, inadequate light, or pests. Checking for proper care and environmental conditions can help identify the issue.
Is dragon tail plant toxic to cats?
Yes, dragon tail plants are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting or other health issues if ingested.
What is the dragon tail plant used for in medicine?
While primarily known as an ornamental plant, traditional uses of related species in herbal medicine include treating respiratory issues and skin conditions.
However, specific medicinal uses for Epipremnum pinnatum are not well-documented.
What are the health benefits of dragon plant?
The primary health benefits of the dragon plant are its air-purifying capabilities, which help improve indoor air quality by filtering out harmful pollutants.
How tall do dragon plants grow?
Dragon tail plants can grow up to 10 feet tall or more in optimal conditions, especially when given a support structure to climb.
Is a dragon tail plant a crawler or climber?
The dragon tail plant is primarily a climber, using aerial roots to attach to surfaces and grow upwards.
Where did the dragon tail plant come from?
The dragon tail plant is native to regions of the Old World, including Northern Australia, Malaysia, Indochina, southern China, Taiwan, Japan, and Melanesia.
Is dragon plant a succulent?
No, the dragon plant is not a succulent; it belongs to the Araceae family and has vining, non-succulent growth habits.
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