Dracaena Tricolour (Madagascar Dragon Tree)

The Dracaena or Dragon Tree is a bold statement plant with a rugged jungle look. Known as much for the dark and woody trunk as the foliage, Dracaena are some of the most unusual houseplants you can grow. 

The Dracaena at Happy Houseplants usually have several trunks topped with a crown of beautiful leaves in gold, green or yellow with flashes of pink and red. 

Dracaena complement any interior style and they are very easy to look after. As the plant stores water in its trunk, it can cope with some neglect if you forget to water it for a few weeks. 

At happy houseplants our tip for Dracaena is to go as large as possible, these are very impressive plants when allowed the space and time to mature. 

Quick Guide 

Light: High or Direct Light
Watering: Only water when soil is dry to the touch
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs

Care Guide: Ideal For Beginners

Ideal Location: Dry sunny spot

Size: W21cm x H115cm

Houseplants Care

Although the care of houseplants can vary from species to species because they all come from different environments around the world there are a few basic rules to follow that will ensure you have the best chance of success keeping your plant healthy and well in your home. 

Light

Light is critical for any plant, most houseplants will thrive in indirect light throughout the whole day. In general, plants that have variegated leaves or flowers will require more light than other plants. Cactus or succulents are typically the only plants that can tolerate direct light in the summer months. Move plants away from direct light in the summer to avoid burned leaves. 

Temperature

Most houseplants you buy will thrive between 60-72 Fahrenheit, if your plant becomes too cold or too hot it will show signs of distress such as dropped leaves or wilting. Most modern homes will stay between these temperatures but if you go away remember to move your plants to a warm spot in winter or away from direct sunlight in summer. 

Watering

Watering little and often through the growing season is ideal with less watering in the winter months when most plants become dormant and stop growing. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the size of your plant, the size of your planter, the location of your plant and the type of soil you use. Typically we recommend checking the soil carefully before you water, to ensure the soil has not become waterlogged, the soil should dry out completely between each watering. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, if you overwater and your plant is dying, repot immediately.  

Humidity

Almost all the houseplants you find for sale will naturally grow in the warm and humid tropics. Most modern centrally heated homes are dry in winter so almost all plants will benefit from regular misting or being placed on a tray of pebbles with a small amount of water that will naturally evaporate into the air. Plants also can also benefit from being placed and grown together to create a natural micro climate. 

Feeding

Feeding your plants through the growing season can have real impact. Using a good quality feed like Happy Houseplants own vegan plant food can boost your plants immune system and help it grow quickly. 

When to Repot?

Most plants will be very happy for 1 to 2 years in the pot they arrive in but depending on the growth of your plant, when it does require repotting a planter 2/3 inches bigger is usually enough. Most plants will respond well to repotting growing well after the roots have been disturbed allowing more room and oxygen into the soil. Use a general purpose potting soil (John Innes number 3) and ensure any planter you use has sufficient drainage which is critical. 

Problems

All plants take time to recover being moved from grower to seller to their new home, some plants will look sad for a few weeks but this is normal and they will recover when they have adapted to their new home. Sometimes plants need a bit more care, be confident changing your routine or moving a plant to see if it will grow better in a new spot. 

Long Stems or 'leggy' plants usually means your light levels are too low. 

Brown & Black Leaves usually means too much light or feeding is excessive

Leaf Drop Some leaf drop is normal and to be expected, most plants will want to grow taller and will drop lower leaves naturally as they grow taller.  Excessive leaf drop usually means you have overwatered. Repot with dry soil immediately and your plant may recover. 

Wilting and Drooping Leaves means you have usually been under watering. Almost all plants will recover quickly if you soak and drain the soil. 

Faded Variegation usually means the plant is not getting enough indirect light. try moving your plant to a different spot.