Dracaena marginata is a tree-like plant with a strong, rather thick trunk, the height of which can reach up to 3 meters. At its end, leaves are located in the form of a bunch. Moreover, on young plants, they are raised up, but over time, the foliage sags.
Dracaena leaves are elongated with a thin edging along the edges, therefore it is called dracaena bordered. The edging is most often reddish or yellowish. As the trunk of the plant grows, the lower leaves, dying off, fall off. Due to this, the trunk is formed in the form of scales or scars. This plant is ideal for home and office use.
It does not require any special care. The optimum temperature for the growth and development of dracaena is + 21 ° C. In winter, it needs moderate watering, in no case should the soil be poured. It is enough to water once a week, the main thing is not to allow it to dry out. In summer, on the contrary, the plant requires a lot of moisture, in addition, in the heat, regular spraying is necessary. The palm tree does not tolerate drafts, therefore, when ventilating, the plant must be covered from cold air currents.
Dracaena does not like the accumulation of dust on the leaves. It must be removed with a damp cloth or the plant should be rinsed under a warm shower. In order not to damage the palm tree while bathing, you need to wrap the pot with plastic.
The tree needs to be transplanted into a more spacious container at least once every two to three years. It must be transplanted very carefully, trying not to damage the roots. It is better to purchase soil specially designed for dracaena. The plant grows much better if the soil is periodically loosened.
Like any houseplant, dracaena is attacked by various pests and diseases. The homeland of this plant is the tropics, therefore, conditions of detention that are excellent for them are often warm and humid.
It should not be forgotten that the bay of dracaena, combined with the low temperature in the room where the plant is located, can lead to its death. However, other problems with this plant are often encountered - dry leaf tips. In addition, spots may appear on the leaves.
Dry ends can be caused by several reasons. The main one is too bright indoor lighting. Dracaena prefers diffused light. Only in this case will the foliage retain a rich, rich color. In dark, poorly lit rooms, bright artificial light should be turned on.
When keeping a palm tree in a semi-dark room, it must be turned periodically so that the tops reaching for the light do not bend.
Low humidity can also cause dry ends. However, you can spray the tree only in the warm season. In winter, it's best to use a humidifier.
The tips of the leaves can also become dry because of the cramped dishes in which the dracaena grows. In this case, it is necessary to transfer the plant into a more spacious container, renewing the top layer of the earth. Wet brownish spots on the leaves of a palm tree indicate sunburn, the plant cannot stand direct sunlight.
Leaves can begin to dry when there is a large accumulation of dirt and dust on them. In case of severe pollution, the leaves will have to be thoroughly rinsed under a warm shower, with a slight one - it is enough to wipe each leaf with a swab moistened with water.
