Xela's Garden

Houseplant Dragon Tree [V]

Genus: Dracaena.

Species: Dracaena marginata.

Placed '10 Vistabile dining-room
Bought '10 at Sainsburys for £2.99

Dracaenas have become increasingly popular in recent years as palm-like specimen plants.

History and origins
Dracaena is a genus of forty species of subtropical, evergreen, woody plants grown for their statuesque form and ornamental foliage. They are sometimes mistakenly identified as palms but are actually more closely related to lilies.
Dracaena marginata is an erect shrub or tree growing to a height of three metres or more. Its thin, snake-like trunk branches with age and is topped by rosettes of narrow, rigid leaves. Depending on variety these are green and/or yellow striped with red edging.

Maintenance
Temperature: Prefers moderate to warm conditions with a minimum of 13 °C (55 °F).
D. marginata can withstand lower temperatures but chilling causes the leaves of most species to go soft and brown-edged.
Light: Does best in shaded to medium light although D. marginata and D. fragrans. Can tolerate quite gloomy conditions. Direct sun may cause bleached, dry patches on the leaves.
Water: The growing medium should be kept moist at all times otherwise the leaves will develop brown tips and spots. Over watering in cool environments can cause leaf loss. High levels of fluoride or chlorine may also cause discoloration and leaf blotches.
Humidity: In very dry atmospheres, the leaves may develop brown tips and yellow edges. Regular misting with tepid water helps to prevent this.
Pests: Prone to attack by scale insects, Two-spotted (red) spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and mealybugs.
[Source: www.plants-in-buildings.com/documents/dracaenas.pdf ]

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