How to Make the Dracaena Magenta Plant Grow
Also called the Madagascar dragon tree, the Dracaena marginata grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet. Five types of Dracaena marginata exist -- basic green, bi-color, tri-color, magenta and colorama -- and each individual cultivar exhibits its own distinct leaf color in varying shades of white, red, pink and green. The Dracaena marginata grows in numerous forms such as tree, bush, staggered cane and straight cane. All varieties require the same care to thrive as a houseplant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Place the Dracaena marginata in a location in the house where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight or its leaves may begin to show white spotting.
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Feel the top one-third layer of soil. If it feels dry to the touch, water the plant. Allow the water to flow out the plant's pot. Do not allow the Dracaena marginata to sit in pooling water. Water the plant every time the top one-third of the soil feels dry. Overwatering the plant can cause it to suffer from root rot.
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Spray the leaves of the Dracaena with lukewarm water and wipe the leaves with a soft cloth to remove any dust. Keeping the plant dust-free will help maintain its appearance.
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Maintain the room temperature at approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid allowing the temperature to dip below 60 degrees F.
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Tips & Warnings
Yellow leaves on the Dracaena marginata usually means the plant has been overwatered.
The stems of the Dracaena marginata often become excessively long and the plants begins to appear gangly. Cut the plant off. The stem will form new leaves at the point it was cut.
The plant often develops brown leaf spots during the winter when the humidity in the home drops.
Avoid fertilizing the Dracaena marginata because it does not do well with fertilizer. The leaves will often suffer burning and yellowing after a fertilizer application.
A cold draft often causes the plant to drop its leaves.
Avoid watering the Dracaena marginata with fluoride-infused water because leaf spots will develop.
Spider mites, scales, thrips and mealy bugs occasionally infest the plant. If pests appear, treat with an insecticidual spray or wash the pests from the plant with a strong burst of water.
