The Dracaena marginata ‘Tricolour’, a type of Dragon Tree, is a stylish and popular evergreen plant, beloved for its striking, architectural form and colourful foliage. Its slender, graceful trunks are topped with a rosette of fine, sword-shaped leaves that are beautifully striped with vibrant green, creamy yellow, and a bold reddish-pink edge. This combination of colours makes it a fantastic statement plant that adds a tropical or contemporary feel to any space.
Caring for Your ‘Tricolour’
- Growing Conditions: The ‘Tricolour’ does best in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while too little light will cause the colours to fade. It prefers a warm, consistent temperature and should be protected from cold droughts and frost.
- Watering: This Dracaena is quite drought-tolerant. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the biggest killer, so make sure the pot has good drainage. A little less water in winter is best.
- Feeding: It’s a light feeder. A balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer is sufficient. No need to feed it in the cooler months.
- Pruning: You can easily control its height and shape by pruning the trunk. This encourages new growth to sprout from below the cut. It’s also a good idea to remove any dead or yellowing lower leaves to keep it looking neat and tidy.
Usage in the Home and Garden
This versatile plant is a cracker for indoor use, fitting into a variety of design styles from minimalist to bohemian. Its upright, architectural habit makes it perfect for filling a corner or acting as a focal point in a living room, office, or bedroom. In warmer, frost-free parts of Australia, it can also be used outdoors as a striking feature plant in pots on a patio or in a sheltered garden bed.
