How to Shape a Dracaena Marginata

Dracaena marginata, also known as the Madagascar dragon tree, is easy to grow and adds interesting shape to a landscape. It thrives in both low and bright light and a range of soil conditions, and works well as a container or houseplant. Fertile, well-drained soil is best for this upright plant, and little water is needed as it is drought-resistant. The dragon tree has thin, irregular stems that produce a rosette of thin leaves on top. The stems continue to grow tall and lanky, but by cutting them down to a desired height you can generate new foliage and maintain a balanced shape and height.

Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Cut stems with pruning shears down to a desired height to produce a denser and leafier plant. This is best accomplished in spring or summer and will result in two or more branches appearing. A profusion of new foliage and growth will emerge within weeks. The dragon tree naturally has a clumping habit with irregular stems that grow lanky as they age. The easiest way to shape the plant is to make it more bushier.
- 2
  Prune the tree to control growth and establish a size that is appropriate for its container. You may cut the stems to any height. This plant can reach 6 feet tall when grown indoors. Outdoors or directly in soil, it may reach a height of 15 feet.
- 3
  Trim browning foliage by cutting the leaves to a blunt edge or to a desire shape. Leaf edges often turn brown when they receive too much water. As the plant grows, lower leaves will die off and drop and leave the lower portion of the plant lacking leaves, so you should cut where you want new leaves to appear.
- 4
  Propagate stem cuttings by cutting them with a knife at an angle. Dip in a rooting hormone and place in moist, loose soil to establish rooting.

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