The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) is one of the most popular architectural houseplants for UK homes, grown for its slender, upright stems and long, arching leaves edged in deep red and cream.

It has a naturally sculptural habit, with foliage held in tufts at the top of bare, cane-like stems, and it keeps its leaves all year round. Compact and adaptable, it suits a windowsill, shelf or desk as well as a larger floor position as it grows.

It arrives as an established plant in a 1 litre pot with a 12cm root ball, ready for a bright spot out of direct sun, though it will tolerate medium or low light. Let the top of the compost dry out between waterings, as it is naturally drought tolerant and overwatering is the most common cause of trouble. Feed lightly during the growing season.

Dracaena marginata is toxic to cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents if eaten, so keep it well out of reach of pets.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Dragon Tree
• Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Up to 150-300cm tall and 50-100cm wide indoors (conditions and variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Upright, slender cane stems with arching foliage at the tips
• Perfect For: Windowsills, shelves, desks and as a statement floor plant
• Foliage: Long, narrow, arching leaves with red and cream variegated margins
• Planting Position: Bright indirect light, tolerant of medium and low light; avoid cold draughts
• Hardiness: Indoor plant only, will not tolerate temperatures below about 10C
• Maintenance: Low; water only once the top of the compost has dried out
• Type: Tropical evergreen houseplant