Systematics

Description

Distribution & Habitat

Culture

Propagation

Uses

References

Scientific Name

 Dracaena marginata

  

Common Name

Madagascar Dragon Tree, Red-edged Dracaena

Taxonomy

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Liliales

Family: Dracaenaceae

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Reference for Systematics:

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Web Page

http://florawww.eeb.uconn.edu/accnum/199100115.html

Description

Consists of woody stems with narrow lance-shaped leaves (dark green in color with red margins / 12"-24" long) and grows to a height of 15 feet. These plants are generally 2-3 feet in width. Its flowers are white in color and arranged in terminal panicles. The Red-Edged Dracaena is also drought tolerant and possesses an aggressive root system.

Reference for Descriptive Information:

Interior Plantscaping http://ohld.ag.utk.edu/ohld230/Dracaena/Marginata/Dracaenamarginata.htm

Production / Post-Production Factors for Dracaena Marginata by T.M. Blessington et al. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/ipmnet/99-4nnws7.htm

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/ Agavaceae/Dracaena_marginata.html 

http://www.sunshinetropical.com/ Available/MarginataExotic14.htm 

Distribution and Habitat

Madagascar (origin) - originated in the understory of tropical rainforest / drought tolerant as an adaptation to extreme wet and dry seasons

South Florida/Hawaii

Central America/Caribbean

 Cultural Information

Soil · Average soil consisting of peat and bark (ph level of 5.5 to 6.0)

Water requirement · Moderate application of water / allow plants to dry between waterings

Light · Grows best in 3,000 to 6,000 footcandles / full sun or light shade
Humidity · Humid conditions
Temperature · Temperature range between 65° and 80°F

Problems · Flecking, chlorotic bands, and guttation

Diseases · Leaf spots, stem rot, stem and leaf rot, and lesion nematodes

Pests · Fungus gnats, Florida red scale, thrips, and spider mites
Other · Indoor growth is usually slow

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Reference for Cultural Information:

 

Production / Post-Production Factors for Dracaena Marginata by T.M. Blessington et al. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/ipmnet/99-4nnws7.htm

http://ohld.ag.utk.edu/ohld230/Dracaena/ Marginata/Dracaenamarginata.htm 

Propagation Methods

 

Tip or Stem Cuttings - Placed directly in a finishing container

 

Air Layering - Branched pieces can be air layered with sphagnum moss and aluminum foil

 

Seeds - can be used for propagation in the spring

References for Propagation:

Production / Post-Production Factors for Dracaena Marginata by T.M. Blessington et al. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/ipmnet/99-4nnws7.htm:

Uses/ Fun Facts

Decoration / Houseplants (helps to purify indoor air)

Tip cuttings are ideal for dish gardens and terrariums

References for Uses and Fun Facts:

PSS121 - Indoor Plants by Dr. Leonard Perry http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/foldm.html

Houseplants that Purify the Air by Jeff Hume http://www.humeseeds.com/purify.htm 

Production / Post-Production Factors for Dracaena Marginata by T.M. Blessington et al. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/ipmnet/99-4nnws7.htm

http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/foldm.html

 General References

PSS121 - Indoor Plants by Dr. Leonard Perry http://pss.uvm.edu/pss123/foldm.html

Production / Post-Production Factors for Dracaena Marginata by T.M. Blessington et al. http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/ipmnet/99-4nnws7.htm

 

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Image References:

URL specified below each image.

This page was developed by:

Keith Montgomery,

W&J Class of 2001

 

Last revised on April 30, 2001