What's the difference between Dracaena marginata and Dracaena draco?

The Dracaena Draco features sword-like leaves with a slight droop and redness along the edges. The Dracaena Marginata, or Madagascar Dragon Tree, has more slender leaves, often with distinct yellow and red striping. To the untrained eye, it’s sometimes confused for a palm tree. Madagascar Dragon Tree care is comparable to the Dracaena Draco.

How long can a dragon tree live?

Dragon Trees are slow-growing and can, in theory, live for hundreds of years. Examples in the Canary Islands are thought to be more than a thousand years old—thus outliving not just you, but your pet parrot too. In terms of the Dragon Tree size, these trees max out at a height of approximately six feet indoors, taking 10 years or more to cap out.

Is a dragon tree easy to care for?

Because Dragon Trees can exist in temperatures typical of regular households, Dragon Trees do very well in homes and offices, provided they are watered often and have proper drainage. They also grow slowly and do not extend beyond four to six feet indoors, making them manageable, discreet plants for a room corner. They can also tolerate a wide variety of light conditions, despite doing best in consistent indirect sunlight.

Plant care library / Dragon Tree

How to Care for a Dragon Tree

About Dragon Tree

The mystical Madagascar Dragon Tree, also known as Dracaena Draco, the Greek word for “dragon,” got its name from an ancient legend in which Hercules conquered the 100-headed dragon at the gates of the Garden of Hesperides. Legend goes that Dragon Trees grew anywhere the dragon’s blood spilled. As the Dragon Tree grows tall, the trunk becomes bare as bottom leaves shed to direct energy for new growth on top, giving it its indoor tree-like feel.

Other common names

Dracaena Draco
Asparagus Draco
Madagascar Dragon Tree
Corn Plant
Dracaena Reflexa Variegata

How Often Should I Water My Dragon Tree?

With easyplant, watering your Dragon Tree is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once a month and fill it when empty, and you're all set!

Dragon Tree Light Needs

Dragon Tree grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

Aim to place the tree in a space where it can absorb 10 hours of indirect sunlight. Keep it away from areas that receive harsh, direct sunlight. Want more details on plant lighting? Dive into our extensive lighting guide.

Dragon Tree Plant Care

On your Dragon Tree’s first few days at home, it may lose several leaves, or leaves may turn yellow. This is no reason for concern. Simple shake off or cut the leaf, and look forward to new and better adjusted leaves to grow. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune it to your liking.

How Big Do Dragon Tree Plants Grow?

A Dragon Tree can grow up to four to six feet indoors. As it evolves throughout the year, it will drop a few lower leaves, which will either shed or turn yellow, and be replaced by newer leaves on top. The Dragon Tree, grown indoors, should reach maturity within 10 years, at which point it will begin to flower. However, grown outdoors, these slow-growing plants can reach a maximum height of 25 to 50 feet.

Temperature & Humidity

Dragon Tree, a tropical, warmth-loving plant, may benefit from enhanced humidity. This can be effectively achieved by grouping it with other plants or using a pebble tray, especially in environments where the air is dry. It's important to adjust these methods according to the specific conditions of your space to meet the plant's needs.

Are Dragon Tree Toxic for Pets & Kids?

The Dragon Tree may be moderately toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep away from curious children and pets. This tree contains saponins, which can cause vomiting with blood, weakness, incoordination, and drooling in pets. The Dragon Tree is toxic to cats. Particularly, look for dilated pupils if your cat ingested the plant’s leaves. Be sure to keep the plant out of the reach of animals and to clean any fallen leaf debris. Dragon Tree toxicity is not known to harm humans.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Dragon Tree

If you notice leaves are beginning to lose their color, relocate the pot to a more brightly lit location. If you notice leaves are becoming brown or crispy, relocate the pot to a more indirectly lit location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dragon Tree Plant

What's the difference between Dracaena marginata and Dracaena draco?
The Dracaena Draco features sword-like leaves with a slight droop and redness along the edges. The Dracaena Marginata, or Madagascar Dragon Tree, has more slender leaves, often with distinct yellow and red striping. To the untrained eye, it’s sometimes confused for a palm tree. Madagascar Dragon Tree care is comparable to the Dracaena Draco.
How long can a dragon tree live?
Dragon Trees are slow-growing and can, in theory, live for hundreds of years. Examples in the Canary Islands are thought to be more than a thousand years old—thus outliving not just you, but your pet parrot too. In terms of the Dragon Tree size, these trees max out at a height of approximately six feet indoors, taking 10 years or more to cap out.
Is a dragon tree easy to care for?
Because Dragon Trees can exist in temperatures typical of regular households, Dragon Trees do very well in homes and offices, provided they are watered often and have proper drainage. They also grow slowly and do not extend beyond four to six feet indoors, making them manageable, discreet plants for a room corner. They can also tolerate a wide variety of light conditions, despite doing best in consistent indirect sunlight.

Back to Plant care library