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Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia is often confused with:
Dracaena fragrans leaves and flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Alocasia 'Calidora' Alocasia x 'Calidora'
Dieffenbachia seguine leaves
Dracaena fragrans leaves and flowers
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia has some common insect problems:
Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Fern Scale Insect
Longtailed Mealybug

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

Previously known as:

  • Cordyline marginata
  • Dracaena marginata
  • Pleomele marginata
Phonetic Spelling
dra-SEE-nah re-FLEX-ah var. an-gus-ti-FOH-lee-ah
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Dracaena is a drought-tolerant, slow-growing perennial shrub native to Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean. It is a member of the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). The species epithet refers to the reflexed posture of older leaves. The varietal epithet calls attention to the narrow leaves.

Plant in a well-draining potting mix and allow the plants to dry between waterings but not severely. Bright, indirect light is ideal. They have a low fertilizer requirement, so fertilize in spring, summer, and fall with a controlled-release formula. This species is sensitive to fluoride (like most other Dracaenas) which causes discoloration of leaves so use distilled or non-fluorinated water.  

In their native habitat or as landscape plants in the tropics, they can reach 20 feet; as houseplants, they grow to 6 feet but can be pruned to a smaller size. Pruned stems will usually grow 2 or more branches. The stems can be trained into different shapes (e.g. braided or spiraled). They rarely bloom in the home.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mites, thrips, and chewing insects can be a problem. Susceptible to leaf spot diseases.

More information on Dracaena.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • ‘Bicolor'
    grayish-green leaves with pink or red edges
  • 'Colorama'
    variegated pink leaves with white and green stripes, 5 to 6 feet tall
  • 'Magenta'
    green leaves with magenta red margins, palm-tree like
  • 'Tarzan'
    green, spikey, tough, wide, and thick leaves
  • 'Tricolor'
    variegated green leaves with white, and pink edges
‘Bicolor', 'Colorama', 'Magenta', 'Tarzan', 'Tricolor'
Tags:
#showy flowers#shade tree#houseplant#slow growing#showy leaves#colorful leaves#tall#exotic looking#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#poisonous if ingested#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • ‘Bicolor'
    grayish-green leaves with pink or red edges
  • 'Colorama'
    variegated pink leaves with white and green stripes, 5 to 6 feet tall
  • 'Magenta'
    green leaves with magenta red margins, palm-tree like
  • 'Tarzan'
    green, spikey, tough, wide, and thick leaves
  • 'Tricolor'
    variegated green leaves with white, and pink edges
‘Bicolor', 'Colorama', 'Magenta', 'Tarzan', 'Tricolor'
Tags:
#showy flowers#shade tree#houseplant#slow growing#showy leaves#colorful leaves#tall#exotic looking#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#poisonous if ingested#cpp
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Dracaena
    Species:
    marginata
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Madagascar, Mauritius
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Round yellow-orange berries. Flowers and berries rarely appear on house plants.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Description:
    Small fragrant white blooms in spring. Rarely blooms as a house plant
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Pink
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    2 ft. long and 1/2 inch wide glossy sword-shaped green leaves with reddish edges. Cultivars can add pink, white or yellow stripes to the leaves. Lower leaves fall off with age.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Brown
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Tan stems with distinct diamond-shaped leaf scars
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Specimen
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. In cats: dilated pupils, abdominal pain, increased heart rate and drooling. In both cats and dogs: vomiting, depression, inappetence, drooling, incoordination, weakness, and anorexia. In humans: mouth and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin irritation from the sap can occur.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Stems