MADAGASCAR DRAGON TREE

My husband is very picky about houseplants and he doesn't like most of mines; but he loves this one. Dragon tree is actually a very popular houseplant and it is easy to care for too. The genus dracaena has many species of palm like plants from Africa and Asia and they are quite tough. This makes them very popular indoor plants. This particular one I have is called dracaena marginata; means red margined dracaena. The name comes from the narrow green leaves edged with purplish-red. It has a narrow trunk, often twisted- mine is shaped like a heart:) Many growers train the trunks into controlled shapes when the plants are young in order to achieve fun and interesting graphics. They are un-branched on young plants but may become branched and tall up to the ceiling height in time. As the plant grows, the older leaves will yellow and die back from time to time. So don't worry when you see some of the bottom leaves falling. Older canes may branch at the top as well.

Dragon Tree requires at least moderate light but no direct sunlight. Keep evenly moist. Water freely from spring to autumn, sparingly in winter. Always discard drainage. Never let the roots dry out. They require average indoor humidity levels but they benefit from misting the leaves regularly. The leaves will scorch if the air is too dry or the plant is in a draft. Minimum winter temperature is around 55 F degrees and summer temperature is around 75 F degrees. Only feed during late spring and summer months. You can take stem cuttings at any time and new plants can be started with air layering. Always pick off yellow leaves and trim leaves with brown tips. Sponge the leaves occasionally to keep them clean and bright. Repot in spring if necessary.