Dracaena Marginata

Inviting this tough, spiky-looking plant into one's home gives new meaning to the term "tree house"! By the time it matures, Dracaena Marginata bears hundreds of sword-like, green leaves with red banding along the edges. The lower leaves eventually drop away, revealing a thin but sturdy trunk. Because this unique plant resembles a sapling and is native to the island country of Madagascar, Dracaena Marginata is commonly called Madagascar Dragon Tree or simply Dragon Tree. Usually grown in a pot as an air-purifying houseplant, it reaches a mature height of 3-6' indoors. But people living in the warmest U.S. climates (zones 10-11) can plant it outside, where it will grow considerably taller--up to 20'. In spring, this variety bears small but fragrant, white blossoms (although usually not when grown indoors) that give way to round, yellow-orange berries. This robust, almost unkillable plant resists drought and can thrive for years with little maintenance. Pets should be kept away from the foliage, which is toxic to animals.