Madagascar Dragon Tree

Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata

Madagascar Dragon Tree is a bold accent if you have the space. It starts out as a thick tuft of spiky leaves. As it grows, the lower leaves naturally fall, leaving a cluster of dramatic, spear-shaped leaves above a bare woody stem. Its narrow, red-edged leaves can grow about 12-16 in (30-40 cm) long.

This exotic house plant is slow-growing, but will reach 6 ft (1.8 m) tall indoors. You can control its height by simply cutting off the top.

Dracaena care is easy. Dragon Tree thrives in average room conditions, tolerating dry winter air and low light levels that are deadly to most plants. This dynamic house plant also handles changing temperatures and humidity levels. Just don't overwater. It will not tolerate soggy soil, which can cause root rot.

It even shrugs off pests, although dry air may attract spider mites to its leaves. Regular misting with water will do double-duty, raising the humidity and keeping those pests away.

Origin: Madagascar

Height: To 6 ft (1.8 m)

Light: Bright light. Avoid direct sunlight in summer.

Water: Keep soil lightly moist spring through fall, slightly drier in winter. Do not let soil get waterlogged.

Humidity: Average room humidity. Will tolerate dry air.

Temperature: Normal room temperatures. 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Any good potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks in spring and summer with a 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Cut off the cane at any height and root them like stem cuttings.