Marginata care and details: Beautiful looking house plants
Image Source: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Marginata plants are known for their elegant long, finger-like leaves with red edges. Marginata care is very easy and these are hard to kill plants. They can survive in harsh climatic conditions. The plant is also said to purify air around them. They are durable, easy to care and one of the best indoor plants for offices and homes.
Quick Details of Marginata Care
| Other Common Names | Marginata, Ragon Tree, Red Edged Dracaena, Red Edged Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Dracaena Marginata, Dragon Blood Tree, |
| Type | Indoor/outdoor ornamental plant |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Flowering | NA |
| Light | Low to moderate bright direct sunlight, can tolerate partial indirect light. |
| Water | Regular watering |
| Temperature | Warm moist conditions |
| Soil | Well drained sandy soil |
| Fertilizer | Any house plant fertilizer |
| Habitat | Madagascar, Mauritius |
| Toxicity | Toxic to animals. |
| Common Diseases | Aphids, Spider Mites, Root Rot |
| Scientific name | Dracaena marginata |
Marginata Buying Instructions
- Buy a plant with multiple branches if possible as it will be difficult for you to have multiple branches latter.
- Do not buy a with dry leaves.
- Plant should be as bushy as possible
Overview of Marginata
It is an evergreen plant belonging to the family of Agavoideae growing up to a height of 1-2 meters under proper conditions. The leaves are long, needle like. Thick leathery and green colored with a tint of red or pink edges. The plants can be grown as a shrub, tree,straight cane, bush and can also be shaped accordingly. The leaves are poisonous and can cause irritation. They are drought resistant and have an extensive root system.
Special features:
According to the studies conducted by NASA it was shown that the plants have an ability to purify air. They can remove the traces of formaldehyde, xylene and trichloroethylene.
Usage and Advantage of Marginata
- Used as an ornamental plant.
- Helps to purify air.
General Marginata Care
Special care
Marginata care is easy and plant do not require much pruning. The dead leaves can be removed. when the plants grow in height and the base becomes bare, the plant can be cut at a desired height from where the new stems arise. This can also encourage branching. The cut portion can be planted separately to develop into a new plant.
The leaves of Marginata can be wiped ones in a while to remove any excess moisture or dust. The leaves can be misted ones in a while during summer.
Soil:
A potting mixture consisting of loamy sandy soil and peat suits best for their growth. They prefer well-draining soil and which can provide enough space for the growth of their extensive root system.
Water:
The Marginata plants prefer dry soil. so water the plants only when the soil is dry. Over-watering can cause yellowing of leaves or brown tips. The plant is also sensitive to fluoride and hence should be watered with distilled water or water free from fluoride
Light:
The Marginata plants should be placed in bright direct sunlight for proper growth and dark color. They can also survive in dim light but the leaves do not obtain the dark color.
Temperature and humidity:
The Marginata plants prefer humid and warm conditions. During dry seasons, the leaves can be misted ones in a while to maintain humidity.
Fertilizer:
The Marginata plant does not require fertilizer. However, a slow release fertilizer can be added once a year during summer or spring.
Pests and other problems for Marginata
The Marginata plants are not prone to pathogens. They can be attacked by common houseplant pests like mealy bugs, spider mites and white flies. These can be gotten rid off by hose spraying with water once in a while or using Neem oil or soap solutions.
Most of the problems faced by the plant is either due to over watering, under watering or lack in humidity.
They can also develop root rot when there is excess moisture in soil or soggy soil.
The leaves may turn brown or yellow due to over-watering or under-watering. The tip of the leaves turn brown when there is lack of enough humidity.
Propagation of Marginata
The best way to propagate Marginata plant is through stem cuttings. A 6-8 inch long stem is cut and planted into moist soil. The cut tip of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to initiate the formation of roots. It s watered regularly to maintain moisture. The tips starts to develop roots in 3-4 weeks.
