The Dracaena Marginata, also known as the Madagascar Dragon Tree, is an exotic indoor plant that has its origins in East Africa.It's easy to grow Dracaena at home because of its resilience and low-maintenance.To grow a young plant, just pot it, water it once a week, and find a place where it can get plenty of indirect sunlight.Its long, spiky leaves will start to grow in no time, giving a bit of natural beauty to any room.
Step 1: Plants or seeds can be acquired.
Buying a packet of starter seeds will allow you to grow Dracaena Marginata at home.Larger cuttings can be taken from the tips or cane, the stalks from which the leaves grow.Both forms will thrive if they are properly cared for.You can find Dracaena specimen at your local greenhouse or plant nursery.Before planting the seeds, they should be soaked in fresh water for 3-6 days.It is possible to transplant young plants from one pot to another.
Step 2: The pot should be the right size.
Despite the fact that Dracaena Marginata can reach heights of up to 15 feet, it's generally best to use a container that is on the small side.Keeping the roots bound will allow the plant to grow larger, healthier and at a faster rate.There should be holes at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage.If your plant is nearing its full size, it may be necessary to move it outdoors or trim it down.
Step 3: The pot should be filled with standard potting soil.
The soil needs to be 3–4 inches below the rim of the pot.The cane needs a little room to expand as it grows, and too restrictive an environment may choke its development.An all-purpose potting mix will work fine in Dracaena Marginata's soil conditions.If you want to grow your Dragon Tree outdoors, use a mixture of gardening soil, loam, and natural composts.
Step 4: The plant needs to be moved to the soil.
Make room for the plant by removing the depression in the center.Press the root ball into the depression you made at a slight angle and pile the soil around the canes to anchor them.If you're working with seeds, cover them with a thin layer of soil.Limit Dracaena Marginata to one plant per pot.You should separate the ends of the roots with your fingers.It can take up to 40 days for a plant to grow from seeds.The planting procedure will be the same regardless of whether you grow the plant inside or outside.
Step 5: It's important that your plant gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Moderate levels of light are what Dracaena Marginata does best.The pot can be placed under a window sill or in a shaded spot outdoors where it can get plenty of exposure while staying out of the most intense rays.It will not need to be moved if you find a good spot for it.Dragon Tree can survive in low light and may result in thin, lightly-colored leaves.The leaves can be burned or bleached by direct sunlight.
Step 6: The plant should be kept in warm humid conditions.
Dragon Tree's rapid growth can be slowed if it is too hot or cold.The ideal temperature is between 65-75F (18-23C).This will be close to the average humidity of most homes.Though Dracaena is a hardy species that can survive low temperatures, it's recommended that you keep your plants indoors during the cold winter months to keep them healthy.If you live in an area with a particularly dry climate, you can promote the reabsorption of water by scattering pebbles over the bottom of the pot.
Step 7: The plant can be used as an air cleaner.
Dracaena Marginata recycles waste products from the air.NASA was impressed with the plant's ability to remove compounds from the environment.If you're used to fighting pollutants in your living space, the Dragon Tree may be just what you need.Place the plant in one of the central rooms in your home, such as the kitchen or living room, where it can do the most good.The plant needs to be kept at a humidity of at least 30%.Most homes will have an average level of humidity.
Step 8: It's a good idea to add some flair to your home or office.
Dracaena Marginata is an eye-catching addition to any room because of its twisted canes and festive coloring.It's useful for introducing a splash of color to otherwise drab surroundings or to complement sleek, contemporary styles of decor.Try lining the entrance of a foyer with lush adult trees, or arrange a young plant on your dining table as a centerpiece.Marginata Tricolor, which has a complex shade of green, red, and gold, is one of the varieties that can be distinguished by the thick banding on the leaves.
Step 9: Water the plant at least once a week.
Use a spray bottle to saturate the soil until the water starts to pool and then let it go down to the roots.Wait until the upper surface of the soil is dry before watering again.root rot can be caused by overwater.Plants in the Dracaena family don't need much water to survive.It may take as long as three weeks for the soil to dry out.
Step 10: Don't use fertilizers too much.
Dracaena Marginata doesn't need much help to grow.In the spring and summer you can feed the plant with a small amount of water-soluble plant food supplement.They will be healthy during hot conditions.Pick a plant food that's less than the recommended strength.
Step 11: The leaves should be wiped with a damp cloth.
Spider mites, mealy bugs, and other pests like to feed on the foliage, so this will help rid them.It's useful for removing dust and dirt and restoring hydration.Dust, debris, and unwanted animals can be found on your Dragon Tree.
Step 12: Keep pests at bay.
It is possible to kill off more determined invaders by spraying the leaves with a mild soap solution.The leaves are protected by a waxy coating and you won't have to worry about the soap harming them.If you cultivate your plants outdoors they are more likely to be attacked by insects.Mealy bugs can spread diseases that can eventually kill Dracaena.
Step 13: Remove dead and damaged leaves.
The leaves near the bottom of the cane will become dry or withered once the plant has reached full size.It's normal for foliage to be shed in preparation for new growth.You can dispose of old leaves by plucking them.It's most likely that the plant hasn't been getting enough water if the leaves are only brown in spots.