If you're looking for a new plant to add to your growing collection, the Dracaena marginata, or dragon tree, is a great choice. It's easy to care for, doesn't need to be watered that often, and looks great in just about any spot in your home. These plants are often bought small (they're also really inexpensive) and then held onto for years, after which they can grow up to nearly two metres. If you treat your Dragon tree right, it will turn into an amazing statement plant for your home.
What is a Dracaena marginata and where did it come from?
Dracaenas are native to Africa but can also be found in southern Asia and northern Australia. The reason you can find them there is that they are pretty drought tolerant, which is why they make great houseplants for people who want the beauty of a plant, but don't have the time to care for one.
The word Dracaena actually means dragon and these trees were given the name because some of the larger species like the Dracaena draco produce a thick red sap that can become visible if the trunk is cut or damaged. The sap oozes out and resembles blood. The sap was once used as a healing substance (but we don't suggest trying any at home) to alleviate fevers.
The extremely popular Dracaena marginata, native to Madagascar, has a slender appearance with long green thin leaves with red edges.
The Dragon tree at a glance:
Botanical name: Dracaena marginata.
Other names: Madagascar Dragon tree, dragon plant.
Height and growth rate: Slow growing with a maximum height of 1.82 metres.
Light: Bright, indirect sun.
Temperature: Average household temperatures.
Toxicity to pets: Mildly toxic if consumed.
Plant parent level: Beginner, doesn't require much care at all.
How to care for your Dracaena marginata:
Light
The dragon tree is a great plant because it thrives in most types of light. It'll be happiest in a bright room, but not directly in the window. If you don't have access to a space like this, don't worry. You can place your dragon tree in a more shaded area or room with low light, the plant will be fine, it just won't grow as quickly.
Watering
The great thing about these plants is that they're pretty drought tolerant. That means if you forget to water your dragon tree, it should be fine. Ensure that the top two inches of soil have completely dried out between waterings. Depending on temperature and humidity in your home, that will mean you'll only have to water your plant about once every 7-10 days.
Temperature
Humidity is going to be key for most houseplants since a lot of them come from tropical climates. The Dracaena marginata will love a good misting. You can do this once a week or place your plant in a humid bathroom (but make sure you have a window in there). If you don't want to mist your plant, you can also wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
Maintenance
Dragon trees require minimal maintenance. Some older leaves may go brown, but they're easily removed without hurting your plant. Always check the roots of your plant to see if they're poking out of the bottom of their pot. If they are, it's time to repot it. However, don't size them up too much – despite the fact that these plants can grow pretty tall, they don't need a lot of space for their roots.
Make sure to fertilise the plant during the spring and summer to give it an extra boost. This will make it grow a little bit faster. When you're watering regularly, make sure all the water drains out of the pot so it isn't sitting in excess, which could cause root rot.
Common problems with a Dracaena marginata (and how to fix them):
Leaf loss: You may find some leaves dropping if you've overwatered your plant. Remember that dragon trees don't need to be watered very frequently. If you see leaves turning yellow or brown and falling from the trunk, this could be a sign that you've overwatered it. Let the soil dry out completely before watering it again.
Root rot: Another effect of overwatering is root rot. This is a common problem with a Dracaena marginata and can be avoided by checking the plant's soil before you water it. If you do notice squishy or reddish roots, remove your plant from its pot, take all the soil off the roots, cut back the dead pieces of root, and repot into a new pot with fresh soil. Wait a few days before watering to give your plant time to recover.
Brown spots on leaves: If you notice that your plant's leaves aren't turning completely brown but are getting some spotting or brown tips, that could be due to a number of reasons. One of them is that you could be underwatering your plant. Even though your dragon tree can tolerate a lot, you still need to water it. Be sure to keep an eye on your plant so you know when it needs a big drink. You don't need to remove the whole leaf if it's only got some spots or a brown tip, but doing so might give your plant a chance to recover. Pull the leaf gently, it will probably come off on its own.
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.
The Garden Edit
