Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Marginata Bush (Dracaena marginata)

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Plant Details

Category: Houseplants
Light: Bright Light
Bloom Season:
Height: 18-24" / 
46-61cm
Space: 10-12" / 
25-30cm
Zones: 11, 12
Lowest Temp: 60° to 80°F / 
16° to 27°C
Colors: Grown for foliage

Basic Care

Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth. Dust or wipe off leaves for best display.

Water

Allow soil to dry between thorough waterings.

Soil

All-purpose mix.

Feed

Once every month during growing season.

detailed care guide →
plants that grow upright

Grows Upright

Ornamental Foliage

Containers

Features

A Dracaena species that does best in bright light, marginata has narrow leaves set off by intense red edges. Eye-catching on its own, this selection also looks great paired with green or silver leaved plant companions.

Caution: Dracaena plants contain a chemical called saponin that is toxic to cats and dogs. Pets ingesting saponins can experience gastrointestinal upset like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Uses

Perfect for all kinds of containers. May be displayed outdoors in warmer weather. Makes a breathtaking potted specimen plant.

Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Marginata Bush (Dracaena marginata) Care Guide

Start with a good quality, commercial potting soil. These are usually lighter in weight than topsoil, sterile and pest-free. Many are available with a mild starter fertilizer in the mix.

Select a container with a drainage hole or be prepared to drill holes for drainage if there are none.

Prepare the container by filling with potting soil up to 2” (5cm) from the rim of the planter. Remove the plant from its pot.

Make a small hole in the soil slightly larger than the root ball either by hand or using a trowel. Insert the plant into the hole and press soil firmly around the roots and just covering the root ball. When all the plants are potted, water thoroughly to settle the soil and give plants a good start. Place plant in a reliably sunny location.

Repot every 2 years in the same container or in a container slightly larger than the diameter of the roots.

Prefers moist but well-drained soil. Check the soil moisture with your finger. If the top 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, or plants are wilted, it is time to water.

Apply water at the soil level if possible to avoid wetting the foliage. Water the entire soil area until water runs out the base of the pot. This indicates that the soil is thoroughly wet.

Most container plants can be pruned freely to maintain the desired size and shape. Keeping the foliage trimmed also keeps the plants looking neat and tidy, encourages the plant to develop more side-shoots and flowers, and reduces the demand for the plant to develop a larger root system. This is important since the roots are in a confined space.

Fertilizers are available in many forms: granulated, slow-release, liquid feeds, organic or synthetic. Determine which application method is best for the situation and select a product with a nutritional balance designed for foliage plants.

Too much fertilizer can damage plants so it’s important to follow the package directions to determine how much, and how often, to feed plants.

Slow-release fertilizers are an especially good, care-free choice for container plants. A single application can often provide plants with the proper level of nutrition all season long.

Companion/Combination Plants

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