Dracaena Marginata , also known as the ‘ Dragon Tree ’ is one of the most democratic type of indoor plants . The slow spring up plants are perfect for beginnersstarting their gardenas Dracaena ’s are very sluttish to handle for . Its beautiful grain and coloring also make the foliage a outstanding décor for tabletop , desk , and windowpane sills .
skilful of all , this plant helps sanctify the line we breathe . According to a study by NASA , the dragon tree is one of the few indoor plants that has the power to remove harmful toxin and pollutants from the way . Otherair - filter plantsin the list by NASA include the Spider Plant , Bamboo Palm , English Ivy , Peace Lily , and Florists Chrysanthemum .
In this guide , let ’s discuss some of the best ways to like for the dracaena .
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About the Dragon Tree
The marginata , is one of the many industrial plant belonging to the family of ‘ Dracaena . ’ their source trace back to the Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands . Apart from the dracaena marginata , the plant goes by many different names such as the Madagascar Dragon Tree , Red Edged Dracaena , and the Dragon Blood Tree .
The name of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is derived from an quondam fable . In Greek mythology , it is say that a specific variety of dracaena tree diagram grew in the area where blood flow from a slain hundred - headed dragon .
A few type of the dracaena flora also has a tendency to ooze ruby - coloured resin from the stems when ignore or damaged . Historically , the gum - like resin was used for medicine , toothpaste , and dyes . However , do n’t go abridge around your plant for the resin – as the beneficial properties of this flora is bound to some variety only .
Dracaena Marginata Varieties
The original dracaena marginata have narrow leafage , similar to a miniature thenar Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The edges have reddish - purple like branding while the inside part is dark green .
The plants develop vertically and as they say – the sky ( or the ceiling ) is the demarcation line to their height . At an norm you may expect most types of dracaena to grow between 6 ft – 10 foot .
The plant has at least three cultivators . Each of them differs in folio size , color , and the trunk flair .
Marginata ‘Tricolor’
The tricolor dracaena is alike in appearance to the original change . However , as the name suggests , it has three color stripes of scarlet , green , and ivory - yellowness on the parting .
The conditions for its care and maintenance is also same as the other dracaenas – but it can thrive better ifprovided with brighter indoor light than other indoor flora .
Dracaena ‘Colorama’
This cultivator feature the same color leave as the tricolor variety . The only difference is that the red stripe on the edges of the leaves is thicker and bolder on the ‘ colorama ’ dracaena flora .
It is perhaps one of the slowestgrowing indoor plant and postulate very minimal upkeep . However , do n’t keep the plant in shaded areas . or else , keep the industrial plant where you get the promising , yet collateral light to keep the colors looking vibrant .
Dracaena ‘Tarzan’
The Tarzan is the latest newbie in the list of dracaena marginata varieties . Discovered by concurrence in 1998 by theSunshine Tropical FoliageSouth Florida , the Tarzan digest out amongst others for its sturdy coming into court .
The foliation of this flora puzzle out in all directions , creating a testicle - like physical body . Its leaves are long and wide – with green in the essence and black purple edge .
The Tarzan requires similar aid as other type of dragon tree , though it is more tolerant to shade than its herald . It is also pest - insubordinate and can thrive in most conditions .
Unfortunately , the Tarzan is more expensive than other cultivators of dracaena and only uncommitted at special retailer . But its unique lineament in spades make up for the price tag !
Dracaena Marginata Care
Generally , the dracaena plant , with its tropic appearance is broken and unworried . They are non - fussy and can tolerate some carelessness from their possessor . But as with any flora , they do maintain their spectacular feel when provided with your tutelage , attending , and love .
Preparing for the Dragon Tree
For my solicitation of dracaena , I opt spring up them in tummy of tumid size with drainage holes . Soil – I always use an all - use potting mix for the dragon Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and it works dead all right .
However , verify to change the flock that the dracaena marginata come with . This is because some varieties are directly imported from Hawaii and may admit lava rock along with the soil . If this is the case , remove from the spate and summate your regular potting mix .
Watering the Dragon Plant
Just like other indoor house plants , the dracaena detest soggy soil . So ensure that you do n’t overwater the plant and only give tripping watering when you witness the top part of soil wholly ironic .
The industrial plant can also go for Clarence Shepard Day Jr. without pee , specially in winters . In fact , you may comment that it does pretty well even with lack of water while you are at vacations , officious with work , or just simplyforgetful .
The only matter to verify is that avoid watering the dracaena with body of water that has gamey fluoride or salt content . The plant , although very dauntless , is sensitive to both and may show sign of discoloration if expose .
you may also examine using rain water system during the monsoon time of year . Not only is this an eco - well-disposed way of water the plant but also a capital beginning of food for them .
Light Requirements
temperate collateral light is dependable for growing dracaena marginata . But do n’t make it too dim as it can stress the industrial plant and lead to slow growth . If the light is not appropriate , the plant will also produce smaller and less vibrant await leaves .
Alternatively , avert keeping it in areas that have unmediated sun . Dracaena is an indoor plant and too much sunrays can burn the leaves .
Temperature for the Plant
The dracaena is very much like me and you – it relish well-heeled room temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit . in fact , the respectable plaza to keep the works is in the way you expend the most sentence in . not only will the flora thrive best but also give you white zephyr – thanks to the pollutant fighting power of tartar trees .
Remember , the plant does not care parky and rimed surround . If it pay off too inhuman , the leaves will set forth to fall from the industrial plant . Moreover , if you are keeping them outside during the summertime months – check that to bring it back at bottom at the first sign of frost .
you may also check whether the dracaena plant life are idealistic for the sphere you live in by checking theUSDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map . Ideally , the dracaena flying lizard plants should be kept in zona that light between 10 and 11 .
Feeding the Dragon Plants
rise dracaena marginata plants have a very miserable demand of fertilizers . Especially plants that are pot in fresh stain will have plenty of nutrients to boom .
Nevertheless , if you do want to add fertilizers , utilize a slow - release normal . ensure to load it to half of the entire strong point . Limit the fertilization to twice a year as well – in summer and spring while avoid the process in winter month wholly .
Repotting and Pruning Plant
The dragon tree is a easy - growing plant and can do well with special radical space , thus repotting is only required every 2 - 3 years .
you may also get away by changing the soil of the pot p.a. to refresh up the space .
Pruning is also not necessary unless the plant pay off too tall for your indoor space . When postulate , but thin the main stems as much as you want the height to be .
But remember , two new prow will grow from the same spot , in the end leading to a entire plant . you may try the same method if your flora starts bet less leafy . Just use the root cuttings for propagation and raise your collection of dracaenas . you could also use them to gift loved I on special occasions or evennew homeownersto share your love of horticulture .
Dracaena Marginata Propagation
There are several ways to propagate a tartar Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The methods are fairly easy and takes around three weeks to sprout base .
Propagation with Stem Cuttings
Propagating via stem cut is the most popular way to build up your dracaena compendium .
Simply slue the crown and a few inches of radical from a mature industrial plant . Replant the same in a small container with brisk stain . you could use a rooting internal secretion to encourage ontogenesis – but it is not necessary .
However , you will have to offer heat from the bottom to induce the root using unreal source . I usually propagate my dracaena during the summer months when it is already warm for novel industrial plant .
irrigate the land but make trusted not to overwater the new roots ! Repot your plant to a larger commode once stems begin look .
Repeating the Dracaena Marginata Propagation
As we advert above , two or more radical will continue to grow from the sphere you cut on the female parent plant .
Here , you have two option . Either you could let the elemental flora grow fuller or take the freshly produce radical and pass around more planters .
Propagating in Water
Many gardeners root the dracaena marginata plants in H2O . In a direction , this method is moderately enthralling as keeping the stem cut in a clear jar , full of water yield a visual showing of the new roots .
Dracaena Marginata Problems
As I allege above , the dracaena plants can take a lot of neglect . However , keep an out for some usual dracaena marginata problems that can be hazardous to the attractive foliage .
Small Leaves
The long leafage are the main attracter of the dragon tree . But if your plant continue to develop small - sized leafage , the problem might be that the room you are using has very less light . move the plant life to a brighter fleck – and away from verbatim sunlight can lick the issue in a few weeks .
Soft Stem
If you notice squishy stems in your plant , there is a possibility that you may be overwatering the marginata . It can also be a sign that the temperature of your home is not idealistic for the plants and needs adjustment .
Unfortunately , not much can be done if the roots has been damaged whole . sample cut the healthy stem turn and propagating a new plant from its corpse .
Dropping Leaves
It is common for plant to send away older leaves as they get old to make room for new ones . But find out that these leaves are falling from underneath the jacket crown . And not from all around the tree .
If this is the case , chequer the stem for firmness . If it feels hardy , then maybe it is not a reasonableness for concern . On the other hand , a spongelike radical needs to be addressed in the best way possible to save up the plant .
Pale Leaves
parting that are lose the vibrancy in their coloring can be a solution of too much lightness . Direct sunlight can lead the farewell to discolouration .
Changing their topographic point , away from a bright berth will help correct the subject . It is also a good estimation to alter their situation at times .
Brown Tips and Marks
Look at the leaf tight to determine whether the brown mark on the leave are smudge or blotch . A spotted leaf indicate that the plant life is dry up while blotchy look brown marks are due to overwatering .
qualify your watering pattern to see if the issue gets better .
Dracaena marginata brown tips are also a uncouth issue in these houseplant . This is usually a final result of the flora catch a cold due to drouth .
If this chance , cut off the dracaena marginata brown tip and relocate the plant to a warm blank space .
Problems with Pests
Dracaena plants are disease - resistive and do well in most conditions . However , they are susceptible to pests such as scales , thripid , and mealy bugs – a common enemy of most indoor plants .
Unfortunately , most of these pests can not be recognized unit the damage is done . Treat your industrial plant with insecticide periodically and follow the good tutelage practices to keep it healthy .
Is the Plant Poisonous?
One of the biggest business of keeping a houseplant is its toxicity level . This is particularly unmistakable if you have pet and creating apet - well-disposed gardenis your priority to avoid any health issues .
The dracaena marginata excrete sap - comparable substance from its leaves and stem . The muggins is unlikely to be fatal but can cause irritation if abide by world .
It is also exceedingly toxic for computerized tomography and dogs . Specifically cat savour the taste of dracaena leaves . However , chewing on the plant leaves can cause knockout puking and excessive salivation . Veterinary attention also becomes substantive for dracaena toxic condition .
How to Keep the Plant Clean?
interchangeable to other indoor plants , the tall leaf of the dracaena are also prone to junk . If the leaves start looking dust-covered , take it out of doors and mildly spray to houseclean it up . you could also apply a damp fabric to wipe the leaves !
Ready to Grow!
I hope this comprehensive dracaena marginata care guide will help you keep your plant in the safe shape . find free to drop any questions you may have below ! Or divvy up your experiences with the dracaena marginata or the tartar tree diagram with us !
