Free Dracaena Marginata Plants

A graceful, palm-like plant. Oddly enough, it becomes more attractive as the lower leaves are shed to produce a crown ofshiny foliage atop a woody, often twisted stem. Care should be taken with the positioning of this Dracaena, as any damage to the foliage will cause the subsequent growth to be deformed for a while. If damage does occur, the plant should either be left to grow through it or cut off below the damaged area with sharp secateurs. This will encourage it to produce up to three side-shoots. Plants that become too large can be treated similarly. The sections of stem removed are suitable for propagating, but it is advisable to mark them with a felt tip pen to indicate which is the right way up.

Plant type : Ornamental foliage plant with erect habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 100-200cm (39 — 78in)
Flower : None usually as indoor plant
Leaf : None usually as indoor plant Narrow, 30-45cm (12—18in) long, 1.5cm (Jin) wide, tapering to fine point, produced in tight rosette, green
Temperature : 15-21°C (59 — 70°F)
Aspect/Light : Slightly shady or reasonably well-lit situation
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Barely moisten compost in spring and summer; keep on dry side in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to four weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10-15cm (4—6in) tip cuttings or 5-7.5cm (2—3in) stem cuttings in seed and cutting compost from late spring to summer at 24°C (75°F)
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, root mealy bug, premature lower leaf loss
Availability : Commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Ideal plant for many situations around the home or in an office; good as floor¬standing specimen plant
Other varieties : D. m. 'Tricolor' - pinkish-cream variegation; more delicate