Question
My plant
My sister recently bought me this plant as a present. However, I have no idea what it is? Please could you give me tips on how often I should water it and how much sunlight it should have? Edge of leaves have strated to brown. Thank you :)
AnswerCalvin,
It is a dracaena marginata. It needs bright light near ab east or west window with drapes or blinds open most of the day and has low water requirements. It is my experience that it will not do well if the light is not bright enough for your hand to cast a good shadow where it is sitting. Do not water with water that has flouride in it. If your water does leave it sit in an open bucket for 48 hours before using it on the plant so the flouride will dissipate into the air before using it.
The edges of the leaves are naturally red if it is getting enough light. Too much or too little water or flouride in the water could cause the browning. Make sure the soil is dry before you water it again and never leave it sit with the drain tray full of water but don't let it be dry for a week or two before watering it. Below are some websites that have more info about the plant. It can eventually get very large if you allow it too. If you don't want it to ge too large don 't be too quick to repot it. It can stay in that pot for several years before being repotted. Good luck.
Darlene
http://www.dracaena.com/dracaena-marginata.php
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/DRAMARA.PDF
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_marginata
