The dragon tree also known as Dracaena marginata is a popular houseplant admired for its attractive spear-shaped foliage. However, yellowing leaves are not only unsightly but can indicate underlying problems.
If your dragon tree is developing yellow leaves, don’t panic There are several common reasons this can happen, along with things you can do to restore the plant’s health and vigor.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common cause of yellowing leaves in dragon trees. Dragon trees prefer consistently moist (but not wet) soil. Underwatering causes the lower leaves to turn yellow and become crisp or shriveled first. As the condition worsens, leaves will fall off and remaining foliage looks dull.
Check the soil moisture before watering. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Increase watering frequency in summer or warmer rooms.
Signs of overwatering:
- Wet, muddy soil even after several days post-watering
- Yellow or brown limp leaves
- Soft black spots on leaves
- Wilting or bleaching
- Rotting roots
Underwatering
While overwatering is the main culprit, not watering enough can also cause yellowing leaves in dragon trees. Dragon trees need regular moisture. Underwatering causes yellowing leaves, leaf drop, slow growth, and eventual root rot.
Allow the potting mix to partly dry between waterings. Water less in winter when growth slows. Improve drainage by repotting in a mix amended with perlite or orchid bark.
Excessive Light
Dragon trees perform best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun scorches leaves, turning them yellow then brown. New leaves may be smaller.
Filter sunlight through a sheer curtain. Move the pot farther away from south or west-facing windows. Light shade under a tree is ideal outdoors in summer. Rotate the pot weekly to evenly distribute light exposure.
Low Humidity
Dry indoor air during winter can cause leaf tips to turn brown or yellow. This spreads along the margins without proper humidity.
Use a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain 40-50% humidity. Group plants together to boost local moisture levels. Keep away from heating/AC vents. Limit drafts and temperature fluctuations.
Drafts and Temperature Changes
Sudden temperature drops from cold windows, open doors, or being placed outside can shock dragon trees. Leaves respond by yellowing or developing dry, brown spots.
Keep in a stable environment between 65-80°F. Avoid drafts from windows, vents or under doors. Move plants gradually between indoors and outdoors to acclimate them. Provide shade for outdoor plants.
Underfeeding
Without adequate nutrients, lower leaves gradually turn yellow and drop as the plant cannibalizes itself. Growth slows down.
Feed every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Flush the soil monthly to prevent salt buildup. In fall and winter, fertilize monthly or cease feeding.
Potbound Roots
If the rootball is dense and roots emerge from the drainage holes, the plant is potbound. This prevents proper air and water circulation. Leaves yellow from stress.
Replant in a container one size larger, using fresh potting mix amended with compost or worm castings. Trim off any circled or tangled roots before repotting. Space waterings further apart in a large pot.
Pests
Insects such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites suck sap and cause yellow stippling or spots. Undersides of leaves may feel sticky or cottony from honeydew and webbing.
Isolate and prune off infested parts. Remove pests with a strong stream of water, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic pesticide. Apply monthly until pests are gone. Ensure good plant hygiene going forward.
Age-Related Decline
As lower leaves naturally age, they yellow and fall off over time. This is normal senescence, allowing the plant to focus energy on new growth. But it happens faster without proper care.
Always remove spent leaves promptly. Provide good moisture, humidity, light, and nutrition to encourage new foliage. Repotting into fresh soil also rejuvenates root growth. As long as new leaves grow, old leaf loss is nothing to worry about.
Erwinia Soft Rot
This bacterial disease causes leaves to yellow and trunk/stems to rot and give off a fishy odor. It spreads quickly so affected plants should be discarded. When pruning, sterilize tools to avoid spreading.
Solutions
With its graceful shape and resilience, the dragon tree makes an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. By addressing any underlying issues and providing consistent care, those yellowing leaves should return to their vibrant green beauty. Here are some solutions to common problems:
- Check soil moisture and water properly (not too much or too little)
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight
- Increase humidity through misting, pebble trays or humidifiers
- Keep temps stable between 65-80°F
- Avoid drafts
- Fertilize regularly during growing seasons
- Repot to prevent potbound roots
- Treat any pests
- Remove spent leaves
- Discard any plants affected by soft rot to avoid spreading
Proper care goes a long way in keeping dragon tree leaves green and healthy. With a little attention and tweaking of your care regimen, your dragon tree will be thriving once again in no time!
The leaves on your Dracaena could be turning yellow for a number of reasons, but don’t worry! Let’s investigate and get to the bottom of this!
Moisture
The most common cause of yellowing leaves among Dracaena plants is improper soil moisture–in particular, overwatering. Your Dracaena likes to be kept damp (but not wet or saturated!), so keeping a regular watering schedule is key.
When you water your Dracaena, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. It’s extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer and not to let your plant sit in any standing water. Your plant doesn’t like “wet feet,” which will cause the roots to rot and lead to the eventual death of the plant. Yellow and browning leaves are the first sign that root rot may be occurring.
Providing proper and consistent soil moisture is important in caring for a Dracaena plant. Alternating between bone dry and wet soil from ill-timed waterings can create stress and cause your plant to yellow. This is not a drought-tolerant plant.
Water Quality
The quality of your water could also be causing your Dracaena’s leaves to yellow. Dracaena plants are sensitive to the chemicals found in most tap water. Use filtered water or allow your tap water to sit out uncovered overnight before watering so chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride can evaporate.
Your humidity level
Low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to droop and brown on their edges, later followed by entire yellowing, browning, and shriveling. Your Dracaena will appreciate a boost in humidity from regular misting, a humidifier, or pebble tray.
Pests
A weakened or stressed Dracaena is more susceptible to insect infestations. Sap-sucking bugs like spider mites can drain your plant of moisture. This problem quickly manifests itself by yellowing leaflets and fronds. Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites occur frequently in indoor conditions. If not killed early on, these small pests proliferate and move all along frond parts into nooks and crannies. The piercing mouths of the insects exhaust your plant and accelerate yellowing, especially if your Dracaena is already unhealthy from poor lighting, a nutrient deficiency or improper soil moisture. Learn how to treat common houseplant pests here.
Some yellowing is natural
Is your Dracaena producing new growth? If there is new growth on your plant and the yellowing leaves are older, particularly at the bottom of the plant, this yellowing is natural. Your plant sheds its old leaves and sends energy to new growth.
Identifying the Causes of Yellowing Leaves
Proper watering is crucial for Dragon Trees. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellow, limp leaves. Conversely, underwatering leaves them dry and crispy. To strike a balance, water when the top half of the soil is dry, which might take several weeks.
5 Reasons why your Dracaena leaves turning yellow
FAQ
How do I fix yellow leaves on my dracaena?
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Greghttps://greg.appHow To Cure Dracaena ‘lemon Lime’ Yellow Leaves – GregJun 14, 2024 — ✂️ Pruning and Maintenance. Yellow leaves can be the plant equivalent of a bad hair day; sometimes, a trim is the best solution. Prune away the yello…
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Plant and Gardening FAQhttps://libanswers.nybg.orgThe leaves of my dracaena arborea are turning yellow and brown on the …Jan 19, 2021 — 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 m…
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Reddit · r/takecareofmyplanthttps://www.reddit.comHelp! I can’t understand this dracaena. The leaves are turning …Jan 19, 2022 — Cut the yellow leaves so the plant doesn’t put anymore energy on them. You got some nice ones growing new so focus on that. Don’t wait too much to w…
What does an overwatered Dragon Tree look like?
Overwatering. This is the other side of the coin: limp, drooping foliage can be a sign that your Dragon Tree is overwatered. Again, you’ll need to probe its topsoil, by sticking your fingers two inches down into it.
How often should you water a Dragon Tree?
How to Water It: Dragon trees are drought-tolerant plants, so give it a good watering once every three weeks.Mar 18, 2025
How do I fix yellow leaves on my tree?
Watering Issues
If trees aren’t hydrated, the leaves can turn yellow as they try to conserve water. Test your tree’s moisture by using the screwdriver test. Stick a screwdriver into the soil. If it’s hard to push in, chances are the tree is thirsty and could use a deep watering.