Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia: Madagascar dragon tree origin and name history

The Madagascar dragon tree is native to Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Réunion, Rodrigues and other islands in the western Indian Ocean. In nature, Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia grows as a woody shrub or tree.

John Gilbert Baker named the variety in 1875. The older name Dracaena marginata dates to 1786 and is still widely used for the same plant. The name angustifolia means “narrow-leaved”, referring to its long, slim leaves.

Caring for Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia, the Madagascar dragon tree

• Light: place the plant in bright indirect light to keep the leaves dense at the stem tips and the canes growing steadily.
• Water quality: the narrow leaves are sensitive to fluoride and mineral build-up. Rainwater or distilled water can help protect the tips and edges from fluoride damage.
• Watering: water when the mix near the surface feels dry while deeper layers are still slightly moist. Water thoroughly and allow all excess to drain.
• Temperature: aim for 18–24°C, with 15°C as the lower limit.
• Potting mix: use a loose mix that drains quickly and has enough weight to support the upright canes.
• Humidity: normal household humidity is usually enough. In very dry rooms, raise it slightly to help protect the long leaf tips.
• Feeding: feed lightly while the plant is putting out new leaves.
• Slower growth: during slower growth, leave longer gaps between watering and feeding, and let the upper mix dry further.
• Repotting: choose the next pot size when roots are crowded or the tall plant needs a steadier base.
• Pruning and propagation: cut back a cane that has grown too tall; new shoots can develop lower down. Leafy tops and bare stem sections can both be rooted.

Madagascar dragon tree problems: Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia

• Brown tips or edges: fluoride, hard water and excess fertiliser are common triggers. Use rainwater or distilled water, feed lightly and give the mix a thorough rinse to remove built-up salts.
• Pale bands across the leaves: cold exposure can leave permanent horizontal marks. Return the plant to steady warmth and keep the leaves away from cold glass and draughts.
• Dark spots that continue to spread: leaf spot may be developing. Water the potting mix, keeping the leaves dry. Give the plant better airflow and remove heavily marked leaves with clean shears.
• Yellow leaves with soft, dark roots: root rot can develop if moisture remains around the roots for too long. Take the plant out of its pot and use disinfected shears to trim out all roots that are dark or soft. Once the remaining roots feel firm and healthy, discard the damaged roots and repot in fresh fast-draining mix.
• Fine pale speckling or silvery marks: inspect the narrow leaf clusters for mites or thrips. Isolate the plant from other houseplants while treatment is underway. If treatment is needed, choose a houseplant product that lists mites or thrips. Use the amount given on the label and wait as directed before treating again.

If the damage is still unclear, please send Foliage Factory clear photos that show the plant, affected leaves, stems and potting mix.

Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• It contains saponins that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.
• Chewing may cause drooling, vomiting, stomach pain, reduced appetite or weakness. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop.

Dracaena reflexa: where the name comes from

Dracaena comes from Greek drakaina, meaning a female dragon. The epithet reflexa is Latin for bent or turned backwards, referring to the recurved leaves.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Dracaena in 1767 in Mantissa Plantarum, page 9; Domenico Vandelli had proposed the name.

Jean-Baptiste Lamarck first described Dracaena reflexa in 1786 in Encyclopédie, volume 2, page 324.