Dracaena Marginata

Class

Monocotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asparagaceae

Order

Asparagales

Genus

Dracaena

Species

marginata

Description

Evergreen shrubby plant with dense, slightly pendulous and very elegant foliage. It is mainly used as an indoor plant to add elegance to living spaces, offices or shops.
The stem is leafless because in propagation by layering these are removed.
In some Mediterranean areas with a warm temperate climate it can also be planted outdoors in open ground or cultivated on a terrace.

Origin and Diffusion

Botanical Species native to Madagascar where it grows in the humid tropical biome.

Leaf

The ornamental value of the Dracena is conferred by its evergreen Leafs with elongated ribbon-like lamina.

Leaf color

Leafs are bicoloured, deep green with purple-red margins.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 1.2 m, depending on the size of the pot and the variety.

In its natural habitat it can reach a height of up to 6 metres.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Suggested planting locations

Depending on the climatic requirements, it is cultivated as a plant for planters and tubs indoors.

In some Mediterranean areas the plant can also be planted outdoors, either in the ground or grown on a terrace, protected from direct sunlight.

Stem/stem

The stem is cylindrical and semi-woody with greyish bark, smooth in the younger parts and then becoming slightly rough; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 90 and 120 days. It is mildly fragrant, with a fruity aroma.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

Growht habit with an erect stem and apical crown.

branching

The branching is meagre; the stem is leafless because when reproducing by layering the leaves are removed.

pH

It requires a slightly acidic medium with an optimal pH between 5.8 and 6.8.

sun exposure

Suitable for the following exposures: light source indoors, half-shade, light shade. Requires good light but sheltered from direct sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

It requires a warm and humid climate. The ideal temperature is between 20 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 10 and 45 °C. It does not tolerate sharp drops in temperature with high humidity as well as high light with very dry environments.

Use

The elegance of its vegetative habitus gives it a primary role in:
Ornamental environment External ornamental environment Indoor ornamental environment

Outdoor use is related to the climatic conditions present.

Hardiness

Of medium-high rusticity, it is ideal as an indoor plant in even medium-light areas while avoiding draughts. It also adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil/medium

Use a new, high-quality substrate specifically for potted green plants that is light and well draining.

Maintenance

Under the right environmental conditions, cultivation is fairly easy.

cultivation tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for proper vegetative development:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate moist at all times Prefers warm, humid climate Shelter the plant indoors at temperatures below 12°C in good light conditions

Composition

Ideal both as a single specimen and in Composition with other indoor Species with similar cultivation requirements such as Croton(Codiaeum variegatum), Dieffenbachia and Maranta.

Reproduction/Propagation

Reproduction is by layering and by apical cutting.

potting

When it develops root taproots, it is necessary to repot before the summer, using a larger container to be filled with new substrate specifically for green plants. It is advisable to completely bury the root ball and to water the substrate after repotting but without causing water stagnation.

Irrigation

Keep the substrate moist but free from water saturation by always watering at the pot without causing stagnation on the under-pot or pot cover to prevent discolouration of the leaves. Prevent the soil loaf from drying out otherwise there will be yellowing of some leaves.
The Dracena does not tolerate excessively dry environments where it is necessary to intervene with light foliar sprays once or twice a day but without causing the leaves to play and using non-calcareous water.

Fertilization

It fears over-fertilisation, especially in conjunction with water stress. If cultivated in pots, distribute a specific liquid fertiliser for green plants to the moist substrate, to be diluted in the irrigation water, while if cultivated in the ground, organic mineral fertiliser can be applied at the foot after proper post-transplant growth.

During the winter period reduce fertilisation.

Pet friendly

Toxic

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Human toxicity

Toxic

advise 1

Prevent the soil loaf from drying out otherwise you will have yellowing of some leaves. It is classic to see dry tips on some leaves this is due to a too dry environment with too little light. Leaf discolouration, on the other hand, is often due to over-watering, especially if the plant is left with water on the underside of the pot.