Dracaena marginata, also known as the Madagascar dragon tree, has narrow leaves with a red edge on slender stems. We sell it from 180 to 220 cm tall, including branched plants, and it only needs water when the soil is dry.
The three plants in this collection are all large. The 180 cm dragon tree in a ø27 cm pot is slender and takes up little floor space. That makes it suitable for a narrow corner, next to a cabinet or by a window. The other 180 cm dragon tree stands in a wide ø45 cm pot, which keeps it firmly on the floor. The branched 220 cm marginata has side branches, each with its own tuft of leaves, and fills a tall room.
Because a marginata mainly grows upwards and stays narrow, it suits a modern or minimal interior. You will find more plants in this size among the large plants from 150 to 200 cm and the XXL plants of 200 cm and taller. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
Position and light
A Dracaena marginata prefers a bright spot, without harsh midday sun through glass. A position a few metres from a window is good. It also copes with a bit less light, but then grows more slowly and the tufts of leaves get thinner. Do not put it right next to a radiator or in the draught of a door that opens often. Normal room temperature is fine for this plant.
Water and care
The marginata copes better with too little water than with too much. Only water when most of the compost is dry and never leave the plant standing in water. In winter, once every two to three weeks is often enough. Brown leaf tips often come from dry air or hard, limey water. Snip them off with clean scissors. The lower leaves drop off over time, which is how the bare stem forms. More explanation is in the Dracaena care guide.
Delivery and pot
In the Netherlands your Dracaena marginata arrives within 4 to 5 working days, packed upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery in the Netherlands is free from €99. If the plant arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will send a new plant free of charge. The plant comes in a nursery pot. You always choose a decorative pot separately, so you decide the colour and size yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you water a Dracaena marginata?
Not too often. Water when most of the compost is dry, in summer usually once every week to ten days. In winter, once every two to three weeks is often enough. Never leave the plant standing in water, because soggy roots are the most common cause of problems.
Why is my dragon tree getting brown tips?
Brown leaf tips often come from dry air, for example near a radiator, or from hard tap water. Irregular watering can also cause them. Trim the brown tips off at an angle with clean scissors. Put the plant somewhere without direct heat and preferably use water at room temperature.
Is it normal for a Dracaena marginata to lose leaves at the bottom?
Yes. A marginata regularly drops old leaves at the bottom and grows new ones at the top. That is how the bare stem typical of this plant forms. If many leaves turn yellow at once, or at the top as well, check that the soil is not too wet and that the plant gets enough light.
Can a Dracaena marginata stand in a dark spot?
It copes with less light than many other large houseplants, but then grows slowly and makes fewer new leaves. A bright spot without harsh midday sun through glass is best. In a dark spot, water less, because the soil dries out more slowly there.
What is the difference between Dracaena marginata and Dracaena fragrans?
The marginata has thin stems with tufts of narrow, pointed leaves. The fragrans has thicker stems and broader leaves, often with a light stripe down the middle. In the trade, both are called dragon tree. Which one you choose mainly depends on the shape you like.
How often should I water my dragon tree?
Only water when the compost has dried out about halfway down. In the growing season that is on average once every one to two weeks, less in winter. The dragon tree prefers too dry to too wet, because wet feet lead to root rot.
Why is my dragon tree getting brown leaf tips?
Brown tips are often caused by fluoride and salts in tap water, by air that is too dry or by irregular watering. Use rainwater or tap water that has been left to stand, and trim brown tips off at an angle with clean scissors.
Why are the lower leaves of my Dracaena falling off?
It is normal for the lower leaves to gradually turn yellow and drop; that is how the plant forms its typical bare stem. If many leaves fall at once, the cause is usually too much water or cold draughts.
Is the Dracaena marginata toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets because of the saponins in the leaves. If eaten, a pet may vomit. So keep the dragon tree out of reach of cats and dogs.
What is the ideal spot for a dragon tree?
A bright spot with indirect light is ideal. The plant also tolerates partial shade, which makes it suitable for spots further from the window. Avoid harsh midday sun and cold draughts.
