James H. Schutte
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
Dracaena marginata 'Colorama'
Plant Common Name
Colorama Dracaena, Madagascar Dragon Tree
General Description
Tufts of pointed leaves atop distinctly chevron-marked stems define the alien-looking Dragon Tree. Native to Madagascar, Dracaena marginata is the classic houseplant for most locations. Very cold sensitive, dragon tree is grown in the landscape in only the warmest regions. The leaves are long, linear, narrow, attached to the stem without a stalk. The cultivar ‘Colorama’ has green leaves with red-pink stripes on the margins, midrib and either side of the midrib.The stems or trunks usually are un-branched when young, eventually branching when mature to form spreading, vase-shaped trees. Flowers are fragrant, small, produced on stalks at the ends of the stems and followed by yellow-orange berries. Flowers and fruit are rarely produced on houseplants.
Dragon trees grown as house plants likes bright indirect light, though will tolerate low light, the foliage will be less bright. Well-drained soil and high humidity are also required indoors; setting the container on a tray of moist pebbles will help keep the humidity high. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet; excess drying or water will cause leaf tips to turn brown. In the landscape, plant in partly sunny to partial shade locations with well drained soil. Dragon trees are easily pruned and propagated by removing a tuft of leaves and rooting the branch.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
