The Care of a Dracena Marginata

Dracaenas prefer slightly dry soil and may suffer root damage in soil that is kept too moist.

Dracaena marginata, or the Madagascar dragon tree, produces spikes of red-tinged green foliage. It provides the home with an attractive large houseplant that lives for many years. The trunk-like stems can reach up to 8 feet tall, though most plants do not grow to such an impressive height indoors. Dracaena grows well indoors as it thrives in the lower light, drier conditions found in most homes. The plant requires minimal care to remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Knife

Instructions

1. Place the Dracaena marginata in an area where temperatures remain above 45° F. It grows well in the temperatures maintained in most homes. Avoid locations near air vents or cold winter drafts, as the cold air may damage the plant.

2. Set the plant in an area away from direct, bright light. Locate the plant away from windows, such as the corner of a room.

3. Water the dracaena plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. Pour water slowly onto the soil until it begins to drip from the bottom of the pot. Empty the collected water from the drip tray after watering. Dracaenas prefer slightly dry soil and may suffer root damage in soil that is kept too moist.

4. Fertilize the dracaena once monthly during the spring and summer. Apply a soluble fertilizer formulated for foliage houseplants at the rate recommended on the label for the size of your dracaena's pot.

5. Trim the dracaena stems to maintain the desired height of the plant. Cut back the stems in spring with a sharp knife, removing no more than half the stem's length. The dracaena produces a new tuft of foliage at the top of the stem.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage your Dracaena marginata to produce interesting bends and curves in its stems. Lay the plant on its side for a month or longer in the spring when it is actively growing. This causes the stems to curve once you set the pot upright again.

• Dracaenas grow best when slightly pot bound so they rarely require repotting into a larger container.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension; Dracaena; Karen Russ; March 1999
• University of Arkansas; Red-Edged Dracaena; January 2000