Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
An evergreen shrub or small tree with slender, woody stems topped by rosettes of narrow, arching, strap-like dark green leaves often edged with red or purple.
- Light
- Ideally bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours a day; can tolerate moderate shade but growth will be slower.
- Water
- Water when the top 50% of the soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks depending on indoor humidity. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen; slow-growing woody shrub that can reach 10-20 feet in its native habitat, but typically 4-6 feet indoors.
Care instructions
Provides bright, indirect light; water when the top inch of soil feels dry and ensure well-draining soil. Fertilize lightly during the active growing season in spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Ideally bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours a day; can tolerate moderate shade but growth will be slower.
Watering
Water when the top 50% of the soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks depending on indoor humidity. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
Loose, well-draining potting mix with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 10-12; standard indoor room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen; slow-growing woody shrub that can reach 10-20 feet in its native habitat, but typically 4-6 feet indoors.
Bloom season
Rarely blooms indoors; in nature, produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in spring followed by berries.
Propagation
Typically propagated via stem cuttings or air layering in the spring.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Brown leaf tips can occur due to low humidity or fluoride in tap water.
Similar species
Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant) which has much wider leaves, and Cordyline australis which has similar foliage but different trunk characteristics.