Red-edge Dracaena
Dracaena marginata · Evergreen Tropical Houseplant
Plant Family
Asparagaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Tropical
Variety / Cultivar
Marginata Tricolor
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11 when grown outdoors; grown universally as an indoor houseplant.
About This Tree
An upright, slender plant featuring multiple narrow, woody stems that branch sparsely, topped with tufts of long, arching sword-like leaves.
Leaf Characteristics
Long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves with smooth margins, measuring 12 to 24 inches long and about 0.5 inches wide, featuring deep green centers and distinct reddish-purple borders.
Bark Characteristics
Greyish-brown, smooth to slightly ridged bark marked with prominent horizontal leaf scars left by fallen foliage.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Madagascar
Growing Season
Year-round indoor growth, with active growth primarily during spring and summer months.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings; highly sensitive to fluoride in tap water.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 6 to 15 feet tall indoors with a spread of 3 to 5 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate.
Special Characteristics
Excellent indoor air purifier capable of removing formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the environment; drought tolerant once established.
Wildlife & Ecology
Primarily kept as an indoor ornamental plant; toxic to household pets such as cats and dogs if ingested due to saponin content.