Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata · Houseplant
A slim, architectural plant with thin canes topped by tufts of narrow, red-edged leaves. It tolerates medium light and some neglect, and slowly grows into a small indoor tree.
💧WaterEvery 10–14 days, when top half is dry (estimated)
☀️LightMedium to bright indirect light
🐾PetsToxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect light
- Water
- When the top half of the soil is dry
- Soil
- Loose, well-drained potting mix, pH 6.0–6.5
- Temperature
- Best 65–80 °F; keep above 55 °F
- Pot size
- Increase 2 in in diameter per repotting
- Pot
- Stable pot with drainage holes
- Growth
- Slow to moderate; up to 6 ft indoors (estimated)
- Lifespan
- 10+ years
When?
Repot in spring every 2–3 years. Cut back tall canes in spring; the cut top can be rooted and new shoots form below the cut.
Step by step
- Place in bright, filtered light away from direct afternoon sun.
- Water when the top half of the soil has dried.
- Use filtered or rain water if leaf tips brown; it is sensitive to fluoride.
- Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted fertilizer.
- Pull off old lower leaves as they yellow; this is normal.
- Rotate the pot every few weeks for even growth.
- Repot in spring when roots fill the pot.
Common problems
Brown leaf tipsDry air or salts in tap water; flush the soil and use filtered water.
Dropping lower leavesNormal aging if gradual; sudden drop means overwatering or cold.
Soft, rotting caneToo wet; cut above the rot and re-root the healthy top.
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs; chewing can cause vomiting and drooling. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Related tools
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.