(Dracaena marginata)

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Rosettes of dagger-like leaves.

 

FOLIAGE COLORS:

Green, Green and Red

 

CONTAINER:

Large container, large planter.

 

LIGHT:

Medium. East or west window, about one thousand footcandles.

 

WATER:

Normal to frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil moist. Can let soil dry to the touch to a soil depth of 1/2".

 

TEMPERATURE:

Cool, medium, warm. Nights 10 degrees cooler than days.

 

HUMIDITY:

High

 

FERTILIZER:

Every 2 months

 

SOIL MIX:

1 part sterilized garden loam, 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite, and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnum peat moss.

 

PROPOGATION:

Basal shoots, tip cuttings

 

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely, healthy plant free from insect and disease damage. New leaf growth is desirable. Avoid those with yellow or brown leaf margins, wilted or water soaked leaves.

 

CARE:

Easy. Tolerates wide range of conditions. Good for beginners.

 

PROBLEMS:

Brown leaf margins, tip: Use tray filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity.

Scale insects: Scrape off. Isolate. If severe, dispose of plant.

 

COMMENTS:

Good in tight corners.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.