Medium LightDescription
The Dracaena Marginata does well in moderate light, but will thrive in high light and it’s pretty forgiving for a forgetful plant owner. In addition you may want to see our other Marginata’s the Marginata Colorama and the Marginata Kiwi. Here are some tips to keep it growing:
Watering
Like other members of the Dracaena family, it prefers its root zone on the dry side; so make sure the soil dries out between waterings. See our watering guide for more information.
Light
Although it’s a Dracaena, the Marginata still needs at least moderate light. It’s great near a window with filtered light but not in a dark spot. Like others, do not expose this plant to direct sunlight or it will burn the leaves very quickly.
Nutrition
The Marginata will not need to be fed during the first 6 months after it has shipped. During this time, it will use the residual nutrients from nursery production. After 6 months, it can be fed quarterly with a complete fertilizer formulated for interior plants. Please refer to our nutrient guide for details.
Cleaning
This plant, with its numerous trunks and plentiful leaves is a bit more challenging to clean, but it doesn’t show dust as prevalently as the green Dracaenas. While we prefer a cleaning regimen with water and a light soap solution, it would be okay to break out the feather duster on this plant. Make sure your feather duster is clean though – it’s a primary way to get bugs from one plant to another.
Pruning
In good light, the Marge can grow tall and need to be pruned to maintain the desired shape. Cut stems below where you’d like new growth to fill in, since the cut will prompt growth in that area. The lower leaves can turn yellow and are easily pulled off. See our pruning guide for details.
Bugs
The Marginata can attract mealybugs and mites. Mealybugs will be the main pest, and sometimes scale will affect the plant. So, keep it clean. Look for the little white cottony mealybugs at the base of the leaves and on the stems; mites will hide on the bottom side of the leaves and produce webs. If you see either of these, break out the spray bottle with a light soap solution and spray them daily ’til they’re gone.
Trouble
In good light, this plant will not give you any trouble – provided you water it occasionally.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Joel Weltman (verified owner) –
The plant looked pretty good when it arrived, dropped a few leaves but otherwise seemed pretty good. My only qualm is that on delivery was later on it’s side and all the soil was spilled everywhere, making a huge mess.
Sue Waltzer (store manager) –
Hi Joel – We’re very sorry for the mess. We try to label the boxes so they travel ‘this end up’ but unfortunately, FedEx doesn’t always transport them that way. We’re working on some new packaging to help prevent the spills but still ask each customer to watch the unboxing video and hope that they protect the floors when unpacking. It is nearly impossible to complete encase the soil so it doesn’t spill out when the boxes are tipped without causing damage to the plant during packing.
Thanks – Sue
Sherifia H. (verified owner) –