Madagascar Dragon Tree is one of the exotic plants with various purposes, mostly decoration, for spacious indoor spaces. Just like Areca Palm, it is native to Madagascar along with some countries with similar climate conditions. Other names for this plant are ‘dragon plant’ and ‘dragon tree’. Its scientific name is Dracaena Marginata. Meanwhile, because of its exclusive and aesthetic look, the price of this is relatively expensive in the market.
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General information
Madagascar Dragon Tree is a perennial plant with green and variegated foliage that is long and pointy, have a few stems with special tissue looking upwards. Like Chinese Evergreen, this houseplant is an evergreen plant either. Besides, in spring, it blooms tiny white under outdoor conditions. On the other hand, it rarely blooms under indoor conditions. When it comes to the dimension of this plant, its height is in-between 15-20 ft (4,5-6 m) in general. Also, its width shows differentiation between 3-10 ft (1-3 m). In terms of its lifespan, it isn’t known exactly how many years to live. Still, the proper care could prolong its lifespan up to decades, perhaps centuries. Just like Coral Bead Plant, this type of plant poses danger to pets(dogs & cats) in case of ingestion.
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How to Care For Madagascar Dragon Tree
Sunlight: Madagascar Dragon Tree is susceptible to direct sunlight. The ideal spot for such houseplants is partially shady places. Provided the well-angled diffused sunlight, it grows without trouble.
Watering: This type of plant requires frequent and regular watering in its growing seasons. Hence, the potting soil should be kept moist. However, it needs less water in winter because of being dormant. Generally, Dracaena Marginata resist to dehidration to one extent. But yet you shouldn’t neglect it for the long-term.
Humidity: Dracaena Marginata likes humid settings. To ensure a sufficient amount of humidity, there are a number of means. For example, they are humidifiers, a wet tray filled with pebbles and, daily misting.
Temperature: The optimal temperature for such houseplants is in-between 66°F-72°F (18°C-22°C). Notably, below 50 °F (10 °C) could get perilous to this plant. According to the USDA plant hardiness map, 10-12 regions are proper to have it grown.
Soil Type: The potting soil should be loam. So there are ample nutrient-potting soil mixes in the market. Alternatively, you could make your own mix. For instance, clay, sand, and silt are the best components. By the way, you should change the potting soil yearly.
Fertilizer: Fertilizing the plant is crucial for growth. Some plants need less fertilizer. Dracaena Marginata is one of them. For using sparingly, adding fertilizer to this plant will suffice in its growing season.
Propagation: There are a few propagation ways. Here, they are stem-cutting and air-layering. Stem-cutting could be risky. Because cutting should be done correctly. Otherwise, giving damage to the current plant is inevitable. Air-layering could be the best alternative way. Meanwhile, pruning is necessary for a better and healthy look.
Repotting: Once in 2 years is convenient for repotting Dracaena Marginata. Specifically, you can change the pot in the spring.
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Common Problems
Brown leaf tips: Dry air and long-term hot drafts lead to this problem. Unless is not neglected much, there is not much problem.
Yellowish leaves: Such types of problems could stem from overwatering. As long as you do not overwater it, it is normal that a certain part of the leaves that becomes yellow. Namely, it could be seasonal.
Pest infestation: The genuine foes of the Dragon Tree plant are scales and mealy bugs. It is necessary to intervene in its time. Or else, they could kill your plant by eating.
Suggestions for problems: Brown leaf tips are mostly seen as a problem. For getting it over, cut the brown tips and go on with its routine care. Becoming yellowish leaves could be normal as I noted above. Regular watering without drowning its root will work. When it comes to pest infestation, pesticides and alcohol-based wipes are important for keeping it healthy.
