The Care of a Dracena Marginata

Place the Dracaena marginata in an area where temperatures remain above 45° F. It grows well in the temperatures maintained in most homes. Avoid locations near air vents or cold winter drafts, as the cold air may damage the plant.

Set the plant in an area away from direct, bright light. Locate the plant away from windows, such as the corner of a room.

Water the dracaena plant when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. Pour water slowly onto the soil until it begins to drip from the bottom of the pot. Empty the collected water from the drip tray after watering. Dracaenas prefer slightly dry soil and may suffer root damage in soil that is kept too moist.

Fertilize the dracaena once monthly during the spring and summer. Apply a soluble fertilizer formulated for foliage houseplants at the rate recommended on the label for the size of your dracaena's pot.

Trim the dracaena stems to maintain the desired height of the plant. Cut back the stems in spring with a sharp knife, removing no more than half the stem's length. The dracaena produces a new tuft of foliage at the top of the stem.