Red-Edge Dracaena Plant

The red-edge dracaena (Dracaena marginata) is a tropical evergreen plant that is native to Madagascar.

It is a striking plant that resembles a small palm tree with long textured stems that curve and twist with tufts of long, narrow olive leaves edged in red. It gets it shape by losing the lower leaves, exposing the textured stems.


Air Cleaning Qualities

This  red edged dracaena  plant is tolerant of most indoor conditions. It is not only dramatic, but it has air cleaning qualities that filter the air of toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene.  Placing two or three plants in 8-inch or 10-inch pots for every 100 square feet will help clean up the air and add more oxygen in your breathing zone. 

It is a popular decorator plant that can add a sculptured look to your interior.  This plant can grow up to 8 feet tall as a potted indoor tree, but it is an extremely slow grower. It is wise to buy a full-grown specimen of the ultimate size desired rather than starting with a small one.

How to Care for Red-Edge Dracaena

Light:  Bright filtered light indoors. Tolerates low but will not grow.

Humidity: Moderate preferred, Tolerates dry air.
    
Temperature:  75-85 F (24-29 C) days, 65 F (18 C) nights.


Water:  Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to drain and empty excess water. In winter, plant should not be watered until the top layer of soil is dry. A well-draining potting mixture should be used. This is necessary to prevent root rot which can kill your plant.

Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a half-strength foliage houseplant fertilizer.

Repotting:   Repot the plant in sterilized potting soil when roots show through the drainage holes. Use a slightly larger pot as a too large pot may lead to overwatering and root rot.

Propagation:  Propagate by rerooting the crown that's topped off, stem cuttings, cane cuttings, or air layering.
 
Pruning:  Prune when plant gets too tall for indoor use. Plant will result in new growth and be rejuvenated.

Pests:   Check for spider mites and scale on the underside of leaves; if present, spray with appropriate pesticide. You can also wash leaves with a soapy solution to lessen the presence of mites.

The red-edge dracaena plant is also known as the Madagascar dragon tree.

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