Important Dracaena Marginata plant care tips

The Dracaena Marginata plant is a gorgeous addition to any home. Like all houseplants, it’s important to make sure that you know how to take proper care of it. By following these simple steps, you will ensure that your plant will grow and continue to thrive for years.

Sunlight

When selecting a spot for your Dracaena Marginata, make sure that you choose a location that receives plenty of light but no direct sunlight. You should not place this plant in a dark corner.

Water

You will need to water less frequently in the cooler months since there is a lower rate of evaporation. Monitor the soil and, once the top two or three inches are dry, you can water your plant again. You might find it necessary to water once a week or even once every two weeks depending on how hot it gets. Another important tip is to always use distilled water if your tap water is known to contain salts and/or flouride.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is best done once or twice a year at most. You want to choose the appropriate type of fertilizer for each of your plants and avoid overdoing it. If you fertilize too often or you add too much, you will end up doing more harm than good.

Pests

All plants have natural enemies and your Dracaena Marginata is no exception. Spider mites and mealy bugs are the most common pests you may come across. To get rid of them, you can use insecticidal soap or diluted alcohol. You will need to treat your plant every 7 to 10 days for a period of 4 weeks.

Pruning

If you notice any brown tips, you can trim them back. Since the Dracaena Marginata is native to the tropics, they prefer areas with higher humidity. Brown tips are often a sign that the air is dryer than the plant prefers. At the bottom of the plant, the leaves turn yellow and die. This is normal and nothing to worry about. It’s just a part of their natural growth cycle. You can also spray the plant lightly with water on a regular basis in order to keep the area around the plant humid as it likes.

Remember, if you have a cat, you should keep your Dracaena Marginata somewhere safe. Cats like to nibble on the leaves and you don’t want it to suffer any serious damage as a result. If you intend on sending this plant as a gift, make sure that care instructions are included so that your friend or loved one knows what the plant needs.