Troubleshooting
Dragon tree problems — and how to fix them
Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Brown leaf tips
Fluoride or chlorine sensitivity; use filtered water.
Yellow lower leaves
Normal leaf shed at the base as the trunk forms.
Soft trunk
Root rot from overwatering; usually fatal once visible.
Spider mites in dry air
Webbing under leaves; rinse foliage and treat with horticultural soap.
Prevent dragon tree problems before they start
Most dragon tree issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Dragon tree problems — FAQ
Why is my dragon tree brown leaf tips?
Fluoride or chlorine sensitivity; use filtered water.
Why is my dragon tree yellow lower leaves?
Normal leaf shed at the base as the trunk forms.
Why is my dragon tree soft trunk?
Root rot from overwatering; usually fatal once visible.
Why is my dragon tree spider mites in dry air?
Webbing under leaves; rinse foliage and treat with horticultural soap.