How to Care for a Potted Black Dragon

The black dragon, or Cryptomeria, native to China and Japan, is a slow-growing evergreen tree hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 through 9. The black dragon tree can grow to heights of 10 feet with a spread of 3 to 6 feet. These trees are often used as focal points by a pool. Black dragons growing in pots will do well if cared for properly.

Acidic fertilizer
Pruning shears
Fungicide
Insecticidal soap

Instructions

- 1
  Find a sunny to partly shady location to grow the black dragon.
- 2
  Stick your finger into the soil to feel for moisture content. The soil should be evenly moist, but not soggy.
- 3
  Feed the black dragon with an acidic fertilizer before the plant begins growing in the spring. Mix and apply the fertilizer according to label directions.
- 4
  Prune the tree to remove dead or diseased branches. This is best done early in the summer. The black dragon rarely needs to be pruned, but when the tree is growing in a pot, it is necessary to cut the branches back by a third to keep it small.
- 5
  Inspect the tree for leaf blight if the foliage is turning brown. Spray the tree with a fungicide made to prevent and control leaf blight and leaf spot.
- 6
  Examine the tree for spider mites. Remove the spider mites by spraying the tree with an insecticidal soap. Follow the label directions for use.

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