Dracaena marginata (dra-SEE-nah re-FLEX-ah var. an-gus-ti-FOH-lee-ah)
Family: AsparagaceaeUnknownUnderstory (15-40 ft)
Understory (15-40 ft)Unknown
Dracaena is a drought-tolerant, slow-growing perennial shrub native to Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The species epithet refers to the reflexed posture of older leaves. The varietal epithet calls attention to the narrow leaves. Plant in a well-draining potting mix and allow the plants to dry between waterings but not severely. Bright, indirect light is ideal. They have a low fertilizer requirement, so fertilize in spring, summer, and fall with a controlled-release formula. This species is sensitive to fluoride (like most other Dracaenas) which causes discoloration of leaves so use distilled or non-fluorinated water. In their native habitat or as landscape plants in the tropics, they can reach 20 feet; as houseplants, they grow to 6 feet but can be pruned to a smaller size. Pruned stems will usually grow 2 or more branches. The stems can be trained into different shapes (e.g. braided or spiraled). They rarely bloom in the home. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mites, thrips, and chewing insects can be a problem. Susceptible to leaf spot diseases. More information on Dracaena .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Occasionally Dry
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
Mature size
Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Erect
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Gold/Yellow; Green; Pink; White
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Leaf shape
Linear
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
2 ft. long and 1/2 inch wide glossy sword-shaped green leaves with reddish edges. Cultivars can add pink, white or yellow stripes to the leaves. Lower leaves fall off with age.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Spike
Flower shape
Tubular
Flower detail
Small fragrant white blooms in spring. Rarely blooms as a house plant
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Gold/Yellow; Orange
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Round yellow-orange berries. Flowers and berries rarely appear on house plants.
Bark color
Light Brown
Stem color
Cream/Tan
Stem detail
Tan stems with distinct diamond-shaped leaf scars
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Madagascar, Mauritius
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Berry
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Houseplants
Design feature
Accent; Specimen
Garden tags
#houseplant #slow growing #colorful leaves #tall #shade tree #showy leaves #exotic looking #showy flowers #problem for dogs #problem for horses #problem for cats #tropical feel #container plant #problem for children #poisonous if ingested
Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs; Problem for Horses
Resistant to
Drought
Propagation
Stem Cutting
Poison severity
Low
Poison parts
Flowers; Fruits; Leaves; Roots; Sap/Juice; Stems
Poison symptoms
Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. In cats: dilated pupils, abdominal pain, increased heart rate and drooling. In both cats and dogs: vomiting, depression, inappetence, drooling, incoordination, weakness, and anorexia. In humans: mouth and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin irritation from the sap can occur.