Dracaena cinnabari
Dracaena cinnabari
Socotra dragon blood tree
★
Taxonomy
Family Asparagaceae · Genus Dracaena
Description
Dracaena cinnabari, the Socotra dragon blood tree, is a striking, umbrella-crowned desert tree famed for its red resin. Slow and long-lived, it thrives in bright, arid conditions and rewards patience with sculptural form unlike anything else.
Common Names
Socotra dragon blood treeDragon’s blood treeDragon’s blood dracaena
Context
nativeRegion
Socotra Archipelago, Yemen (limestone plateaus and rocky highlands).
usdaZones
10b–12 (outdoors only in frost-free, arid climates)
companionPlants
Aloe spp., Euphorbia (succulent types), Agave spp., Adenium obesum, Dracaena draco
culturalUses
Red “dragon’s blood” resin has been used traditionally as dye, varnish, incense, and in folk medicine; iconic symbol of Socotra.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to very bright light. Indoors, place at a south or west window with several hours of direct sun.
WateringDeep, infrequent water. Allow the mix to dry completely between waterings; reduce greatly in cool seasons.
SoilExtremely well-draining, mineral-rich mix (cactus/gritty mix) with extra pumice or perlite; slightly alkaline is fine.
FertilizerLight feeding only in spring-summer with low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength; none in winter.
HumidityPrefers low to moderate humidity; excellent airflow. Avoid persistently humid, stagnant spaces.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Protect from frost; brief minimum 45–50°F (7–10°C). Keep dry and warm in winter.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen, umbrella-crowned tree with dense, terminal rosettes and dichotomous branching.
Mature Size20–33 ft tall (6–10 m); similar or wider canopy spread with age.
Growth RateVery slow; seedlings may take many years to branch.
BloomingInfrequent; small greenish-white flowers, typically spring to early summer, followed by red berries.
DormancyNo true dormancy, but growth slows markedly in cool or short-day seasons.
Propagation
MethodsSeed, Air layering (advanced)
DifficultyDifficult—slow germination and growth; sensitive to overwatering.
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for sowing fresh seed and for layering in warm conditions.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningMinimal. Remove only dead leaves. Avoid cutting the growing tip; wounds bleed resin and can disfigure the canopy.
RepottingInfrequent. Use a deep, heavy pot for stability. Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound, keeping the root ball intact.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to mealybugs, scale, spider mites. Root rot if drainage is poor or overwatered; occasional fungal spotting in humidity.
ToxicityMildly toxic to pets (saponins). Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.