How to Propagate Flying Dragon Trees

Soak peat pellets in a container filled with water until they are moist. Prepare as many peat pellets as there are cuttings.

Place the peat pellets in a bowl. Depending on the size of the bowl, as many peat pellets can be placed inside as is possible for easier carrying.

Examine the flying dragon tree and look for new growth in the late spring to summer months. This means that when the stem is bent, it will not break. It is easily flexible. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands from the thorns.

Cut stems 4 to 6 inches in length.

Remove all but the top two or three leaves.

Dip the cut end into a glass of water. Shake to remove the excess water.

Dip the wet end into rooting hormone. Remove the excess rooting hormone by tapping the end.

Insert a pencil or a bamboo skewer into the top of the peat pellet. Push the end with the rooting hormone into the hole first. Gently firm the pellet around the cutting with your fingers.

Place the pots in a container. Put a large clear plastic bag over the top of the them and the container. Place them in a warm, bright location, but keep out of direct sunlight or it will be too hot for the cuttings. The plastic helps retain moisture to help the cuttings form roots.

Check the peat pots for moisture. Do not allow them to dry out, but keep them so they are just damp to the touch.

Check the cuttings for roots after one month. When root growth out of the bottom of the peat pellet is evident, take it out from under the plastic bag and transplant it into a 4-inch pot filled with potting soil.