Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia - Dragon tree

The Dracaena marginata or Madagascar Dragon Tree indeed originates from the 'great island' east of the African continent. This botanical species adapts perfectly to our indoor spaces where it serves as a highly ornamental plant with a stylish graphic appeal. It forms a clump of very slender, elongated leaves with a deep green lamina highlighted by two thin dark red bands that further accentuate its elegance. Easy to grow within a fairly wide range of temperatures and degrees of light and only intolerant of excess water, this beautiful plant can live for many years without requiring much maintenance.

After being classified under several botanical families due to changes in systematic classification, the Dracaena has now been ascribed to the Asparagaceae family. It therein coexists with many other ornamental genera, from the small Ophiopogons which carpet our gardens with their fine green, variegated, or purple foliage, to the powerful and formidable Agaves, some of which can reach several metres in size. There are no fewer than 111 species of Dragon Tree, mainly native to Africa and Southeast Asia. The Madagascar variety, once considered a distinct species, was later reclassified as a variety of another species, becoming scientifically known as Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (literally, narrow-leaved). Also commonly called Candlewood, this Madagascan Dragon Tree forms a large bush or small tree in its native habitat, reaching up to 6 m in height—sometimes more—developing one or several relatively massive and impressive trunks in older specimens. These support twisted branches which occasionally seem to tangle with one another, gradually shedding their lower leaves and retaining only a terminal tuft of foliage. This Dragon Tree thus adopts a peculiar, almost ghostly silhouette when encountered at dusk. The leaves are sword-shaped, very narrow, dark green with a dark red margin along the edges. The flowering consists of small, fragrant white flowers grouped in large panicles which, after fertilisation, develop into small spherical orange fruits.

When grown indoors, the Madagascar Dragon Tree remains much more compact than in its native land. After ten years, it will reach roughly 1.20 m in height and 40 cm in width—or slightly more depending on the number of stems that develop—and it will not exceed 2 m in height at at full maturity. It produces attractive clumps of slender leaves, 20 to 35 cm long, overlapping at the base and fanning out. Their base colour is a rich, deep green, edged by two thin red margins that create a striking contrast while visually enhancing their shape. Gradually, the plant develops slender stems, about the width of a finger, which slowly grow taller, lifting the tufts above them. Older lower leaves dry out and fall away over time, leaving a scar on the light brown bark. Depending on how you prune it—which will encourage branching—you can shape your plant into multiple tiers to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

The Dracaena marginata will bring the tropics into your living space. Too frost-sensitive to be grown outdoors in our regions, it will, however, adapt perfectly to the usual conditions found in our homes and apartments. While it dislikes cold temperatures, direct sunlight, or excessive shade, it is an easy plant to grow—provided that it is not overwatered—and will thrive for years without requiring special care. Pair it with other exotic-looking plants like the Philodendron whose large leaves will create a delightful contrast, or with a Chinese Evergreen featuring pink-tinged foliage.