Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia Magenta - Dragon tree

The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Magenta' is a variety of Madagascar Dragon Tree that is even more ornamental than the wild species. This houseplant irresistibly catches the eye with its very refined graphic appeal. Its much narrower foliage than in other species displays complementary colours, combining a bright, glossy green with a magenta purple that further accentuates its extreme delicacy. An ideal plant for beginners, the Dragon Tree adapts to most ambient humidity levels and standard lighting conditions in our homes. 

The Dracaena, which over time has been classified into different botanical families, now belongs to the Asparagaceae family alongside many other ornamental genera such as the Liriope, a charming small perennial with spikes of white, bluish, or lilac flowers, or the Agave, which forms rosettes of leaves in various sizes and colours. The Dragon Tree (or Dragontree) comprises no fewer than 111 species, the majority of which originate from Africa and Southeast Asia. The Madagascar Dragon Tree occurring naturally in that country was once known by the scientific name Dracaena marginata before being reclassified as the angustifolia (literally 'narrow-leaved') variety of D. reflexa, or Candlewood. The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia is a slow-growing bush or small tree, reaching 4 to 6 m in height with a twisted trunk that can become quite massive in older specimens. The branches are bare, bearing a tuft of leaves only at their tips, giving the plant a somewhat ghostly appearance. The elongated laminae are green, curiously edged with red. This Dragon Tree which thrives in warm climates can nevertheless tolerate relatively low temperatures, but not frosts.

The 'Magenta' Dragon Tree is much more modest in size than the typical botanical species as it will not exceed 2 m in height at maturity. With slow to moderate growth depending on the room's light levels, it will form an 80 cm to 1 m tall specimen  in 10 years, with a spread of 30 to 40 cm. In its juvenile stage, the plant forms an upright tuft of leaves that flares upwards. 20 to 30 cm long, the leaves are very narrow, only about 1.5 cm wide. They display a stunning deep, glossy green, margined with two lateral bands ranging from magenta red to purplish magenta, a colour that can also become dominant on the underside of the leaf. This is clearly visible due to the leaves' fairly closed vertical angle. This colour combination is truly highly attractive and ornamental. Over time, the plant will develop a stem that gradually raises the cluster of leaves. Light greyish-brown in colour, this stem is marked by the scars left by the shedding of older lower leaves, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The bark conceals latent buds capable of sprouting if the main axis is damaged or deliberately pruned to encourage branching. By repotting several plants in the same pot, it is possible to create height gradations between the specimens, with the tufts of leaves positioned at different levels, creating a highly graphic display.

Easy to grow in most of our homes with little fear of direct sunlight, overwatering, or excessively dry air, the 'Magenta' Dragon Tree is ideal for those who concerned not to have green fingers. Due to its compact size, you will easily find a spot for it. Its great delicacy will enable you to create delightful contrasts with broad-leaved plants such as the Dieffenbachia or the Maranta. A Monstera with its enormous, curiously split leaves. Either or both of these will similarly be perfect companions adding an extra graphic touch to your décor.