Description
**While dracaena marginata is harmless to humans when ingested, it is extremely toxic to pets. If you have curious pets, choose a different plant or keep this plant where your pets can’t get to it.**
Dracaena marginata is a popular indoor plant known for its long, slender green leaves with red edges. It’s a great choice for beginners because it’s drought-tolerant and adaptable to different light conditions.
This plant, also called the Madagascar dragon tree, is native to Madagascar and belongs to the dracaena family. It can grow up to 20 feet tall outdoors but typically reaches a height of 6 feet indoors, especially with regular pruning.
When potting the plant, choose a container slightly larger than the root ball, ensuring it has proper drainage. Use a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6-7.
Dracaena marginata is a slow grower, so repotting is only necessary every few years. If the soil becomes compacted, consider replacing it with fresh soil.
While the plant prefers bright, indirect light, it can also tolerate lower light conditions, although growth may be slower. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Water the plant when the top half of the soil is completely dry, using distilled water to prevent browning and crisping of the leaf tips caused by fluoride or salts in tap water. Ensure thorough watering until water drains out of the pot’s drainage holes.
Dracaena marginata thrives in temperatures between 70-80 degrees F and doesn’t require high humidity. Protect it from drafts and vents that may dry out the leaves.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings placed in water.
Common issues include yellowing lower leaves (indicating a need for more water), browning leaf tips (due to excessive fluoride or salts), and browning, soft leaves (caused by cold or overwatering).
