Dragon Tree
Dracaena marginata
Dragon Tree grows slender, sword-shaped leaves with red-purple edges on woody stems. As it ages, the trunks twist into a tree-like form that fits bright indoor corners. It is forgiving of typical home conditions when you avoid soggy soil.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
Moderate
Pet Warning
Contains saponins which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting (sometimes with blood), drooling, dilated pupils, and depression.
Full care guide
Dragon Tree Care
Keep Dracaena marginata architectural with bright indirect light, a dry-down between waterings, cleaner water for fewer brown tips, and occasional pruning.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Place your Dragon Tree in bright, indirect light. Lower light slows growth and can mute the leaf color. Direct sun may scorch the narrow foliage.
Water
Let the top 50-75% of the soil dry before watering. Soak until water drains out, then empty the saucer. Overwatering is the most common cause of root rot.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining mix with perlite or pumice. Repot every 2-3 years when roots feel cramped, and always choose a planter with drainage holes.
Humidity & Temperature
Aim for 65°F to 80°F (18°C-27°C) and moderate humidity. Dry air often shows up as brown tips; misting or a pebble tray can help. In winter, water less and keep the plant off cold drafts and heater vents.
Common Issues
Brown tips usually mean dry air or mineral-heavy water. Soft yellow leaves signal too much moisture. Prune a tall stem to encourage branching, and wipe leaves occasionally to remove dust.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer
Soil
Loose, well-draining loamy potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 10 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Slow
Propagation
Stem cuttings or air layering.
Common Varieties
Tricolor (cream and red stripes)
Slender sword-shaped leaves with a green center, creamy-yellow stripes, and thin red margins.
Colorama (heavy red/pink tint)
Narrow sword-shaped leaves with broad bands of deep pink and magenta around a thinner green stripe.
Tarzan (thicker, darker leaves)
Thicker, broader deep-green leaves with a stiff sword shape and subtle dark burgundy margins.
Magenta
Slender sword-shaped leaves with deep forest-green centers and dark burgundy or maroon margins.
Bicolor (green and red)
Narrow green sword-shaped leaves edged with thin red stripes.