Dracaena marginata , commonly known as the firedrake tree , is a conversant , but still very cool , family plant .

It work in most setting , especially smart modern interiors . Its slim , sword shaped leave of absence and snake woody stems make for to mind spicy , moth-eaten locations and way with coolheaded tiled floors and slow reverse ceiling fans .

Originating from Madagascar , this plant is both refined and rugged . It has a strong origin system and is pretty drought tolerant . It is also known for its air purifying caliber .

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Dracaena marginata prefers bright indirect light , but can stand some morning Dominicus . I have seen it develop in full sun and it survives . But , in my experience , the dryness of such precondition make it more susceptible to pests , like scale insects and red spider mites .

It can bear low-toned light , but will originate less vigorously , with smaller leaves , of less acute color .

Display it as a standalone feature or aggroup it with other plant for a lush , exotic look .

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Remember , these are statement plants , so the with child , mature specimens can be quite expensive . However , because they are robust plants your investment funds should be safe if you travel along the basic precaution instructions here .

Dracaena marginata quick care guide

Dracaena marginata is more often than not easy to give care for . It is a down - alimony plant that can tolerate some nonperformance , which make it ideal forbeginnersor the less careful plant buff .

Level of upkeep : prosperous

layer of care definitions

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All about Dracaena marginata

As noted , Dracaena marginata is recognize for its strength and its content to improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutant . Outdoors , it can grow up to 20 feet ( 6 MB ) magniloquent , but as a potted houseplant , it is usually keep lop to 6 feet ( 2 megabyte ) or less .

Dracaena marginata key facts

Dracaena marginata

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Uk Buyers

How to grow Dracaena marginata: the detailed guide

Dracaena marginata is a forgiving industrial plant , and will not complain too much when you go away or forget to eat or water it for a while . However , it is deserving accept in mind the information below .

Read more about planetary house industrial plant upkeep in general in our comprehensive guide to the 7 vital necessity ofhouse plant carehere .

Light

Dracaena marginata thrives in bright , collateral lighting . Avoid direct sunlight , which can scorch the leaves . If visible radiation is too low-spirited , the plant may become leggy .

Soil and feeding

Use a well - draining soil mix , that retain water .

Dracaena marginata is not need when it comes to fertilisation . run with a dilute balanced plant food every 2 - 3 weeks during the growing season . break off course in winter .

Watering

H2O when the top part of the soil is teetotal . Except in the hottest conditions , where desiccation occurs quick , it is best to wait until the top half of the soil is dry before tearing . This can often take three week or more .

Ideally ( although I admit I rarely do this ) , habituate distilled or non - fluorinated water to prevent brownish tips on the leaves .

Over - watering can lead to root rot , while under - watering can make leaves to droop .

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Pruning

Dracaena marginata primarily take care of itself and moult sure-enough folio as it mature . But you could give the industrial plant a helping handwriting by removing the leaves as they languish .

Prune to maintain chassis and encourage bushier growth . Use clean , crisp secateurs to clip the top or remove stagnant leaves .

Propagation

The most common method acting is fore cuttings . abbreviate a stem , let it dry for a day , then plant in moist dirt . Keep it warm and humid until newfangled increment look .

you’re able to also place your cut stem cuttings in water until a nice set of root has grown and then pot it up .

Below are step by pace templet to propagating your Dracaena marginata by halt film editing – in filth and in water supply .

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Both method are effectual , but propagate in pee on let you to see the origin as they grow , which can be fun , especially if growing with kids . Soil extension , on the other paw , can be a piece quick .

Dracaena marginata:Common problems and solutions

As befits an easy care plant , Dracaena marginata is pretty tough and does n’t get too gravely from pests or diseases .

Root rot from overwatering , can be a problem , as with every house plant . But , in my experience musical scale insect and red wanderer mites can be the biggest trouble , specially in red-hot and dry consideration .

Dracaena marginata troubleshooting guide

Leaves and shoots

Roots

Pests

Diseases

Winter care

trim watering and give up fertilize in winter . Keep the works aside from moth-eaten drafts and heating vents .

register more about how tooverwinter your house plantshere .

Buy Dracaena marginata

So , if you ’ve got this far and are experience like you ca n’t refuse this beautiful plant life , I ’ve number some purchasing option below – depending on whether you are US or UK based .

The buy links are affiliate links , which signify I ’d be pay a ( very ) small charge if you go on and buy after click these links . But that does not strike the monetary value you pay .

UK Buyers

Dracaena marginata frequently asked questions

1.Can Dracaena marginata tolerate low light?

It can endure broken light but favor shiny , indirect light .

2.How often should I water my Dracaena marginata?

piss when the top in of soil feel dry .

3.Is Dracaena marginata safe for pets?

No , it ’s toxic if ingested .

4.Can I use tap water to water my Dracaena?

Use filtered or distilled water if you may . Tap water may contain fluoride , which can get folio tip burn .

5.Why are the leaves of my Dracaena turning brown?

Brown tips can be due to dry atmosphere , over - fertilisation , or fluoride in urine .

Other Dracaena to grow

Other variety of Dracaena marginata , include :

Other overnice Draceana are :

Other great foliage plants

See our guide to caring for these other great foliation plants :

Key references and resources

Alloway , Z and Bailey ( F ) . ( 2018)RHS Practical House Plant Book : select The Best , Display Creatively , Nurture and Care , Royal Horticultural Society , UK .

Camilleri , L and Kaplan , S. ( 2020 ) , Plantopedia : The Definitive Guide to Houseplants , Smith Street Books .

Hessayon , Dr D.G. ( 1991)The New House Plant Expert , PBI Publications , UK .

Dracaena marginata

Brickell , C. ( 2016).Royal Horticultural Society AZ cyclopedia of garden plant . 4thEdition Dorling Kindersley .

Squire , D. ( 2017).Houseplant Handbook : Basic Growing Techniques and a Directory of 300 Everyday Houseplants , CompanionHouse Books .

Nelson , G ( 2021 ) . Plant – House plants : Choosing , Styling , Caring . Mitchell Beazley . London

Dracaena marginata

Dracaena marginata– strong root system makes it drought tolerant

Brickell , C. ( 2011).American horticultural society encyclopedia of plants and flowers . Penguin .

Martin Cole has been an avid plant buff and gardener for more than 20 days and know to speak and write about gardening . In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition . He is a appendage of the National dahlia Society .

He antecedently hold out in London and Sydney , Australia , where he took a diploma line in Horticultural study and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland . He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012 . The site is aimed at everybody who loves works or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more .

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Gardening footfall by Step has beencited by Thompson and Morgan , the UK ’s   largest mail purchase order plant retailer , as a website that publishes expert gardening content .

Uk

House plant bright light

Dracaena marginate: ideal location for optimum light

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Propagation

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Dracaena marginata