BOTANICAL NAME: Dracaena marginata COMMON NAME: Dragon Tree DESCRIPTION: Tree-like with branching slender trunk growing to 5m high, each cane topped by a dense staminal rosette of thick fleshy narrow linear leaves rigidly spreading horizontally, shiny deep olive green with red edges.

WATERING: Moist to dry depending on light. Growth is slow. Canes and leaves store water. Roots are easily damaged by excessive movement or overwatering, causing rot.

CLEANING: Spray with neem soap and wipe carefully to remove dust, avoiding “crunching” the leaves.

PESTS: Spidermite is the main problem pest and preventative spraying is mandatory, particularly in dry warm positions.

DISEASES: Root/stem rot may occur when overwatered. Physical damage to roots can occur due to excessive movement of canes.

FERTILISING: May be necessary when plants have been in site for some time. Apply weak liquid fertiliser in growing season only.

PRUNING: Cut cane with sharp clean knife if change of shape is desired or stem is damaged. New growth will appear below cut on healthy wood.

PRESENTATION: Manual opening of new leaves may be necessary to avoid snapping of new growth. Turn regularly.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Usually presented as 3 to 4 separate canes in a single pot or as a single cane (trunk) which has been cut to develop multiple canes and heads. Dracaena marginata 'Tri-colour' is a popular variety for high light areas only.

Back to Tropical Plants