MADAGASCAR DRAGON TREE Naples
The Dracaena marginata is a species from a large plant genus (Dracaena) which has many variations in leaf sizes, leaf colors and different trunk types. The marginata is one of the most popular seen indoors which can grow into an attractive plant that becomes a great focal point of a room, once it has matured enough.
These are slow grower's which can take about 10 years to reach over 5ft high, but look lush once they reach about a foot high. They have a very similar look like palm tree plants.
How it looks and Grows: The leaves are quite slim compared to other Dracaena's which arch over and have a dark red outer edge. The leaves are produced when the trunk grows stems (cane) from the side that often needs to be trained (keeps them growing upwards).
These stems that have grayish brown bark (like the trunk) which can also produce smaller ones, so the Drangon tree really needs to be pruned to avoid the plant from growing in all directions.
Plant Care and the Secrets to Success:
Light: Light shade is best. For example; sitting on a North facing window ledge, close to an East / West facing window or some distance away from a South facing one. The leaves will scorch if too bright, and if too dark the replacement leaves will be very small and limp looking.
Watering: Keep soil moist at all times (never soggy). Cut back the watering in winter but even then the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely.
Humidity: Reasonable humidity is required. Often not achievable in the average home so consider misting the leaves from time to time especially if the air is quite dry.
Feeding: Regular feeding in spring and summer. Sparsely in autumn and fall.
Temperature: No lower than 10°C / 50°F. Ideal growth range is between 16°C - 24°C / 60°F - 75°F.
