Dracaena Marginata

Inviting this tough, spiky-looking plant into one’s home gives new meaning to the term “tree house”! By the time it matures, Dracaena Marginata bears hundreds of sword-like, green leaves with red banding along the edges. The lower leaves eventually drop away, revealing a thin but sturdy trunk. Because this unique plant resembles a sapling and is native to the island country of Madagascar, Dracaena Marginata is commonly called Madagascar Dragon Tree or simply Dragon Tree. Usually grown in a pot as an air-purifying houseplant, it reaches a mature height of 3-6′ indoors. But people living in the warmest U.S. climates (zones 10-11) can plant it outside, where it will grow considerably taller–up to 20′. In spring, this variety bears small but fragrant, white blossoms (although usually not when grown indoors) that give way to round, yellow-orange berries. This robust, almost unkillable plant resists drought and can thrive for years with little maintenance. Pets should be kept away from the foliage, which is toxic to animals.