Over feeding can be damaging, so use a weak solution of fertilizer in the water at every watering.
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Dracaena marginata, is an easy-care houseplant that prefers dappled shade to direct sunlight.
Latin name
Dracaena marginata
Pronunciation
(“drah-SEE-nah mar-jin-AH-tah”)
Common name
Dracaena marginata
Origin
Madagascar
Dracaena marginata is an erect shrub or tree growing to a height of three metres or more. Its thin, snake-like trunk branches with age and is topped by rosettes of narrow, quite rigid leaves. Depending on variety these are green and/or yellow striped with red edging.
Often, these are sold in groups of three in a pot, with each plant a different height, and each with two or three branches of foliage – when arranged like this, they are called a touffe, or tuft. Older plants often have thicker stems and multiple branches.
There is much debate about the naming and classification of this plant and it is likely that the plants in cultivation are actually a type of Dracaena reflexa (D. reflexa var. angustifolium) or even Dracaena cincta, since true Dracaena marginata is a synonym of Aloe purpurea, which has much broader leaves.
Dracaena marginata is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains saponins, which can cause vomiting, drooling, and loss of appetite in cats and dogs. It is generally considered safe for humans but should not be consumed.
caring for your plant
Light
Low-medium to medium-high light.
Watering
The soil should be kept moist, but not wet. It will tolerate occasional drying out, but not for prolonged periods, so make sure it is watered before you go on holiday. If the soil gets dry for a prolonged period, the leaves will start to discolour and develop brown tips and spots. Wet soil will damage the roots and cause wilting and yellowing of the foliage.
Pruning
Feeding
pest & diseases
In dry conditions, two-spotted spider mite can be a real problem, so keep the plant misted and the leaves clean. Mealybugs can also be a problem, and they often can be found at the base of the leaves. They need to be removed by cleaning with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.
According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.
Find out more about Ecoponic here.
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