Drácena marginata: care

Do you have one at home Dracena marginata? Did they give it to you? If so, surely you are looking for what care you should provide to the plant, right?

Look no further, here we talk about the Marginalized dracena, its care and some issues that you should take into account.

How is the Drácena marginata

The Drácena marginata is a plant native to the tropical part of Africa, that fits very well inside. Due to its tall size and the thin leaves in green, or even yellow or red, it gives a very elegant and decorative appearance to the space where you place it. In addition, it does not grow too fast, so it can be kept in the same place for a long time without having to change the pot or have to prune it.

It is an air purifying plant, which absorbs all the carbon dioxide in the room and removes other substances such as formaldehyde, benzene or xylene. It also serves to regulate humidity.

Caring for the Dracena marginata

We like to be practical, so here we are going to detail the care that this plant needs to be healthy and happy. And may it last for many years!

Lighting design

The Drácena marginata is a plant that needs lighting, however, you should know that it is capable of adapting to any situation; that is to say, it does not matter whether it is a lot of light or a low light.

Now if what you want is that the plant grows and you see it vigorous, we recommend that you put it where it does have good light. Of course, indirectly, since direct solar rays can burn its leaves and make it look unattractive.

Irrigation

You should know that the Drácena marginata is not a plant that needs a lot of water. Only when the earth is dry and not only superficially, but also profoundly. Once you have it in this situation, it is convenient that you water it abundantly but, if you fear that you will be able to add more water, it is more advisable to be a little aware of it and water it more times but with less quantity.

The watering of the plant is normally from above, but if you see that the water comes out too quickly, you can do it by immersion. You have to control the time it is in the water to prevent the roots from rotting. In addition, if your plant is very large, you will most likely not be able to do it like this (in that case it is better to gradually pour it into various places in the pot to nourish it).

Until it is dry again, you do not have to water it again.

Temperature

This plant has a average temperature, which is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. That does not mean that if there is a temperature higher or lower than those degrees, you are going to die. But, in the case of low temperatures, up to 14 degrees the plant will be fine. If it goes lower, then yes it will suffer.

Needless to say, it does not withstand low temperatures or frost.

Subscriber

The Drácena marginata is a plant that will need a monthly subscriber. It doesn't take much, just pour a little liquid compost into your irrigation water once a month to nourish it and help it grow.

Pruning of the Drácena marginata, of the most important care

In the case of pruning, the truth is that you can find yourself in two situations: one, that you have to prune the stems, which is usual; and two, that you should prune the roots.

In the case of roots, You should know that this is something you will have to deal with if you keep the plant for a few years, because after a while the plant develops so many that they tend to saturate the pot and even leave it. Some what they do is change it to a larger pot, but if you don't want to, or it is already quite large, you will have to reduce the root ball of the plant and, incidentally, sanitize it.

How do you do it? Well, you must go looking at the roots with patience and cutting those that look dead. There will be others that are newer, and green. Those must be left.

Once you're done, add new substrate and put it back. And, in addition, you must apply a root stimulator because, believe it or not, the plant suffers a lot with this pruning and it is necessary to take care of it for a few days (be aware of its condition).

For pruning the stems, all you have to do is cut. Now, if what you want is to take cuttings, instead of a horizontal cut, do it at an angle and put them in water so that they develop roots and shoots to have a new plant.

Transplant

Although we have told you that the Drácena marginata is not a plant that grows very much, and therefore it can be kept well in a pot for several years, if you want it to be healthy and healthy, it is recommended transplant it every two years, in spring.

You don't have to put it in another pot if you don't want to, but you should remove the substrate it has and change it for another. That way, you will know that it has nutrients in the soil to feed on every two years.

Fight pests and diseases of the Dracena marginata

You have to be prepared to deal with the problems that will arise in the plant. And one of them has to do with parasites that can make you sick. In general, two of the most common in it are the cochineal, which covers the plant with a white film on the leaves and stems; and the Red spider, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes the leaves to fall off.

To combat them, in the first case, with mealybugs, it is best to fumigate them with potassium soap; and in the second, you can use chemical treatments.

Does the Dracena marginata blooms?

Have you ever wondered if the Drácena marginata flourishes? You've probably never seen it before, but yes, they can flourish. The problem is that they only do it outside. Very rarely it flowers indoors, although, if you give it good conditions and care, it could be the case.

Do you have doubts about the care of your Drácena marginata? Tell us and we will try to help you.