TUFTED HEADS OF TINY PALMS
Dragon tree, Dracaena marginata
Native to Madagascar, this long-lived, lowmaintenance plant has a palm tree-look, with its branching stems topped with elegant and slender green leaves, with red edges. It is great for adding height without taking up too much space. According to NASA, it is also one of the best plants for removing harmful pollutants from the air. This particular plant is harmful to pets, and gloves are recommended when handling, as the sap is toxic. Height 13ft (4m); spread 8ft (2.4m).
Conditions: 16-24°C. It should be positioned in bright light, but full sun avoided in summer, as the leaves will scorch. Brown leaf tips are a sign it is not humid enough, so the plant should be misted every two to three days. Older leaves naturally turn yellow and crispy, and will then fall, leaving space for new growth. Rapid leaf loss is a sign the plant has been overwatered or is not receiving sufficient light.
Watering: The compost should be allowed to dry out between watering and the pot allowed to drain fully, so that the roots are not standing in a pool of water.
Feeding: A houseplant fertiliser should be applied once a month from April to September. Propagation: A stem is removed from the plant and cut into 8in (20cm) sections. The base of each stem section is placed in a jar filled with water and placed somewhere warm and bright, refreshing the water every two to three days. When a healthy clump of roots has developed from the base of the stems, they can be potted up into individual containers filled with houseplant compost.