Dracaena marginata plants can be used as table plants, but they are especially impressive as tall trees with multiple canes and hundreds of long, thin, green leaves trimmed in dark red. The canes are often thick, twisted, and woody, making them a desirable and expensive “specimen” plant.
Dracaena marginata plants prefer medium light, but survive in lower light situations. Lower light slows down the growth rate and reduces the size of new leaves. Direct sun burns the leaves.
Over-watering causes root-rot and is the main reason a dracaena marginata dies. Water well and don’t water again until the top 50% of the soil is dry. In low light, it could take up to three weeks for the soil to dry out. Brown tips on the leaves indicate over-watering or too much fluoride or salt in the water. Never use water that has passed through a softener, too salty. If your household water has a lot of chemicals, allow it to sit out overnight before using it or use distilled water. This is a stalk plant, so it is common for the lower leaves to turn yellow and fall off. However, numerous yellow leaves indicates a dracaena marginata needs more water.
These plants prefer temperatures between 70°-80°F (21.1°- 26.7°C).
Basic household humidity is fine.
Dracaena marginata plants are very susceptible to spider mites, especially when temperatures are warm and the air is very dry. These pests are difficult to see until they have damaged the plant. Mealy Bugs are another pest problem; they leave small, sticky, cottony deposits that are easy to see.
NASA lists a dracaena marginata as a clean- air houseplant.
