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Madagascar Dragon Tree

Dracaena marginata

Madagascar Dragon Tree Plant Features

Madagascar dragon tree, also called red-edge dracaena, is one of the most popular houseplants around. It bears narrow green leaves banded in red or pink on top of slender stems. Its upright habit makes Madagascar dragon tree a useful houseplant to grow against a blank wall, to provide privacy in front of a window, or at the end of a sofa or chair as it ages and becomes tree like. When it's young, Madagascar dragon tree adds beautiful texture to tabletops, desks, and other surfaces. It's often included in dish gardens because of its grassy look. 

Madagascar Dragon Tree Questions?
If you have questions about this houseplant, just drop us an email. One of our experts will get back in touch with you.

Madagascar Dragon Tree Growing Instructions

Madagascar dragon tree does best in a bright spot, but will tolerate low-light conditions so you can grow it practically anywhere. In such low-light spots, you may see it lose the red or pink coloring on leaf edges and it will grow more slowly (and also require less water). 

Water Madagascar dragon tree when the top inch or so of the soil starts to dry. The plant holds up to dry conditions fairly well, so you don't have to worry about it dying if you miss a watering or two. 

If your Madagascar dragon tree develops brown leaf tips, the most common cause is low humidity. Add more moisture to the air by grouping it near other houseplants, moving it to a humid room such as bathroom, or setting your Madagascar dragon tree on a large tray filled with pebbles and water (so the bottom of the pot is on the pebbles, above the water line).

Fertilize Madagascar dragon tree once or twice a year at minimum with a houseplant fertilizer. If you want your plant to grow faster, you can feed it more frequently. Just don't exceed the recommendations on the fertilizer package. 

If you wish to prune your Madagascar dragon tree, you can cut the top off; it will sprout new branches. If you pot the part you cut off in moist potting mix, it may root and grow into another plant. 

This wonderful houseplant is not recommended for human or animal consumption.

Special Care


  • Light

    Indoors: High light
    Indoors: Low light
    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Green, Variegated

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air
    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Madagascar Dragon Tree with these varieties:
Arrowhead Plant
Contrast Madagascar dragon tree's spiky foliage with the lush leaves of arrowhead plant.

Calathea
Spice up calathea's lovely variegated foliage with Madagascar dragon tree.

ZZ Plant
ZZ plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow; pair it with no-nonsense Madagascar dragon tree for delightful combo that's a cinch to care for.


Varieties: Our Favorites

Dracaena marginata 'Magenta' Red Madagascar Dragon Tree

Dracaena marginata 'Magenta'

Red Madagascar dragon tree features dark green leaves with rich magenta-red edges. It's often grown in both compact bushy forms and grown out with a trunk like a tree.

Exotic Angel® Plants
Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor' Variegated Madagascar Dragon Tree

Dracaena marginata 'Bicolor'

This variegated form shows off rich green leaves banded with white edges. It's as easy to grow as its cousins.