Blood of the dragon
The name dragon tree refers to the red resin that some Dracaena species secrete, which was once used as a dye and medicine.
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Marginata
Everything you need to know about the Dracaena marginata or dragon tree. Growth forms, care, ideal location and our XXL Dracaena marginata collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Dracaena marginata or dragon tree comes from Madagascar and belongs to the Asparagaceae family
- Likes a bright spot with indirect light, but also tolerates partial shade
- Let the potting soil dry out well between waterings; the plant is sensitive to overwatering
- Particularly easy to care for and drought-tolerant, ideal for beginners
- Mildly toxic to dogs and cats, keep the plant out of their reach
- Available as single stem, branched and multi-stem, from compact to XXL
About this Drakenbloedboom planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Drakenbloedboom that you may not have known yet.
Space station plant
The Dracaena marginata was part of the NASA study on air-purifying plants and filters substances such as formaldehyde from the air.
Indestructible
The dragon tree is one of the most drought-tolerant houseplants and easily forgives you if you forget to water it once.
Drakenbloedboom types and differences
Single stem
A slender, straight trunk with a tuft of leaves at the top. The sleekest and most graphic form, ideal as a solitary in a modern space.
Branched
Multiple heads on curved trunks together form a fuller plant with plenty of character and movement.
Multi-stem
Several trunks of varying height together in one pot, a lush, sculptural eye-catcher.
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Drakenbloedboom care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Drakenbloedboom healthy.
- 1
Watering
Let the potting soil dry out well between waterings, until about half the pot is dry. The dragon tree is drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering. In winter you water noticeably less.
- 2
Light and location
Give the dragon tree a bright spot with indirect light. The plant also tolerates partial shade but grows more slowly then. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- 3
Water and sensitivity
The Dracaena is sensitive to fluoride and salt in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Preferably use rainwater or let tap water stand overnight.
- 4
Feeding
During the growing season from March to September, give plant food every two to four weeks. In autumn and winter the plant needs no feeding.
- 5
Repotting
Repot the Dracaena marginata every two to three years in spring. The plant likes a slightly tight pot, so choose one that is only a little larger, with good drainage.
Frequently asked questions about the Drakenbloedboom
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Drakenbloedboom.
How often should I water my dragon tree?
Only water once the potting soil has dried out to about halfway. That is on average every one to two weeks during the growing season, less in winter. The dragon tree prefers too dry over too wet, because waterlogging leads to root rot.
Why is my dragon tree getting brown leaf tips?
Brown tips are often caused by fluoride and salt in tap water, by air that is too dry or by irregular watering. Use rainwater or stood tap water and trim brown tips at an angle with clean scissors.
Why are the lower leaves of my Dracaena falling off?
The lower leaves gradually yellowing and dropping is normal; this is how the plant forms its characteristic bare trunk. If many leaves fall at once, the cause is usually too much water or cold draught.
Is the Dracaena marginata toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets due to the saponins in the leaves. If ingested, a pet may vomit. Therefore keep the dragon tree out of reach of cats and dogs.
Which location is ideal for a dragon tree?
A bright spot with indirect light is ideal. The plant also tolerates partial shade, making it suitable for spots further from the window. Avoid harsh midday sun and cold draughts.
How big does a Dracaena marginata get indoors?
Indoors the dragon tree slowly grows to two metres or more. With us you choose the desired size directly, from a compact plant to an XXL specimen of 220 centimetres.
How fast does a dragon tree grow?
The Dracaena marginata is a slow grower. It gains only a few centimetres per year, which is precisely what makes it stable and low-maintenance. For a large plant it is best to choose a large size directly.
Why is my dragon tree not growing?
Slow growth is normal, especially in autumn and winter. If growth stays completely absent during the growing season, check whether the plant gets enough light and whether you are not overwatering.
Plant concepts explained
- Dragon's blood
- The red resin that some Dracaena species secrete, historically used as a dye, varnish and medicine.
- Arching leaf
- A narrow leaf that curves gracefully outward, characteristic of the Dracaena marginata.
- Bare trunk
- The lower, leafless trunk that forms as old leaves drop, typical of the mature dragon tree.
- Drought-tolerant
- Resistant to longer periods without water, because the plant stores moisture in its trunk and roots.
- Growing season
- The period from March to September during which the plant grows actively and benefits from feeding.
- Drainage
- The drainage of excess water from the pot, essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot in this drought-loving plant.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description and origin of Dracaena marginata
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care guidelines for Dracaena marginata
-
NASA Clean Air Study
Research into the air-purifying effect of Dracaena
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