Dracaena Marginata Green in 6″ Pot

A slow-growing, upright evergreen shrub with a palm-like silhouette. Indoors it reaches 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft) tall (up to 4–6 m in the wild), spread 0.5–1 m. The trunk is a slender, woody cane (often multi-stemmed or sold as a staggered “open” cane), marked with diamond-shaped leaf scars where older leaves have dropped. Leaves are narrow, strap- or sword-shaped, 30–60 cm × 1–2 cm, arching, glossy deep green all the way to the edge (no red margin); they grow in dense tufts at the cane tips. Lower leaves yellow and fall naturally as the plant ages, exposing more of the cane. Rarely flowers indoors; mature outdoor plants may produce tiny fragrant white flowers followed by orange-red berries.

Quick care: bright indirect light to some gentle direct sun (east/west window). It tolerates medium/low light better than the red-edged forms, but growth will be slower and canes may stretch. Warm 18–27 °C (65–80 °F); avoid cold drafts and temps below 15 °C (59 °F) (damage below ∼12 °C/54 °F). Soil: loose, loam-based, well-drained (potting soil 60% + perlite 20% + sand or bark 20%). Water when the top 5–7 cm (2–3 in) of soil are dry—thoroughly, then let drain; reduce in winter. Tolerates short dry spells but hates soggy roots (yellow leaves = overwatering). Sensitive to fluoride—use filtered/rainwater if tips brown. Average indoor humidity is fine; occasional misting helps in very dry air. Feed monthly in spring–summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength; skip in winter. Prune by cutting the cane back in spring to control height—new shoots sprout below the cut. Repot every 2–3 years or top-dress. Propagate by 10–15 cm tip cuttings or leafless cane sections in water/soil with bottom heat (roots in 3–6 weeks). Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, scale; wipe leaves to keep dust-free. Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested (saponins). Excellent low-maintenance architectural plant for corners, offices, and bright rooms; also listed as an air-purifying houseplant.