PlantWhy

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.

Dragon Tree
Photo: B.navez, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
💧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

  1. Place in bright, filtered light away from direct afternoon sun.
  2. Water when the top half of the soil has dried.
  3. Use filtered or rain water if leaf tips brown; it is sensitive to fluoride.
  4. Feed monthly in spring and summer with diluted fertilizer.
  5. Pull off old lower leaves as they yellow; this is normal.
  6. Rotate the pot every few weeks for even growth.
  7. 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

Soil and mulch calculator

Similar plants

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Sources

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.