Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Dracaena — Overview
Dracaena marginata, commonly known as the red-edged dracaena or dragon tree, is a striking evergreen shrub native to Madagascar, belonging to the expansive Asparagaceae family. This popular ornamental plant is renowned for its slender, woody stems that often develop a cane-like appearance, topped with rosettes of long, sword-shaped leaves. These distinctive leaves, typically dark green, are elegantly edged with vibrant red or purplish margins, giving the plant its common name and adding significant architectural interest to any indoor space.
In its natural habitat, it can grow into a small tree, but indoors, it usually reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet, offering a vertical accent. The plant's adaptability and relatively low maintenance requirements have cemented its status as a favored houseplant globally. While it rarely flowers indoors, in optimal outdoor conditions, it may produce small, inconspicuous white flowers followed by berry-like fruits.
Its resilience and unique aesthetic make Dracaena marginata a staple in interior landscaping, contributing both visual appeal and environmental benefits.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Dracaena Vand.
1.1 Wikipedia — Dracaena Vand.
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Dracaena should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed indoor plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.7Dracaena (Dracaena vand.) is maintained in this recovery file as a complete indoor profile with practical care, safety, and identification context. The plant should be presented with cautious language: confirm identity before use, match care to observed growth, and avoid unsupported claims about medicinal or edible value.
1.1.Dracaena — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Scientific Name</strong> — Dracaena marginata
- ✓ <strong>Common Names</strong> — Red-edged Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Madagascar Dragon Tree
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Asparagaceae
- ✓ <strong>Native Region</strong> — Madagascar
- ✓ <strong>Growth Habit</strong> — Evergreen shrub, developing slender, woody, cane-like stems
- ✓ <strong>Foliage</strong> — Long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves with prominent red or purplish margins
- ✓ <strong>Primary Benefit</strong> — Exceptional indoor air purification capabilities
- ✓ <strong>Toxicity</strong> — Contains saponins, rendering it mildly toxic if ingested by humans or pets
- ✓ <strong>Maintenance Level</strong> — Considered a low-maintenance and resilient houseplant
- ✓ <strong>Light Preference</strong> — Thrives in bright, indirect light conditions
1.2.Dracaena — Quick Summary
- ✓ Dracaena marginata is a popular air-purifying houseplant native to Madagascar.
- ✓ Known for its distinctive red-edged, sword-shaped leaves and cane-like stems.
- ✓ Effectively removes common indoor air toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- ✓ Contains saponins, making it mildly toxic if ingested, especially by pets.
- ✓ Requires bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
- ✓ Primarily valued for its ornamental appeal and environmental benefits.
2.Dracaena — Scientific Identity
3.Dracaena — Quick Facts
4.Dracaena — Appearance & Identification
5.Dracaena — Native Habitat
6.Dracaena — Water Requirements
- ✓ Light — Provide bright, indirect sunlight; direct harsh sun can scorch the leaves and cause fading of the red margins.
- ✓ Soil — Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5), to prevent root rot.
- ✓ Watering — Allow the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry out completely between waterings; overwatering is a common cause of issues.
- ✓ Temperature — Maintain warm indoor temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid sudden temperature drops or cold drafts.
- ✓ Humidity — Prefers moderate to high humidity; consider misting regularly or placing near a humidifier in dry environments.
- ✓ Fertilization — Feed sparingly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer), typically once every 2-4 weeks.
- ✓ Propagation — Easily propagated from stem cuttings, particularly cane cuttings, placed in water or moist potting mix.
- ✓ Pruning — Prune to maintain desired height and shape, or to encourage bushier growth by cutting back leggy stems.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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