Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) Care: Tough & Architectural

Bold Silhouette

Thick tuft of spiky, red-edged leaves matures into a dramatic spear-shaped cluster atop a bare woody stem. Slow to 6 ft indoors. Prune to control height—cut cane anywhere; new cluster sprouts.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright indirect. Avoid summer direct sun.
• Water: Lightly moist spring–fall; drier winter. Never waterlogged.
• Humidity: Average. Tolerates dry air.
• Temp: 60–75°F.
• Soil: Good all-purpose mix.
• Fertilizer: Every 2 weeks spring–summer, 10-10-10 half-strength.

Maintenance

• Repot spring when roots coil or exit drainage holes. Fresh mix.
• Spider mites in dry air—mist regularly to deter.

Propagation

Cut cane at any height; root like stem cuttings.

Handles neglect, temperature swings, and low light like a champ.