The Madagascar dragon tree has a particular shape to it. A thin woody cane, often forking partway up, topped with a dense spray of narrow leaves edged in fine red. It looks delicate and it is not. Marginata is among the toughest houseplants sold, which is why it has been a fixture of lobbies and living rooms for decades.

On a moss ball the cane is the whole story. It rises bare out of the moss, scarred where old leaves dropped, carrying the spray of foliage well above the ball. Vertical plant, round base, a lot of open space between them.

It is slow, it is forgiving, and it holds its form for years without much from you.

Details

• Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
• Category: Tropical
• Live moss ball, hand formed
• Display dishes sold separately
• Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed
• Handmade individually, so moss coverage, ball shape, and plant size vary from the photo.
• Approximate Size 5 1/2″ X 16″

Care

• Light: bright indirect light is ideal, though it tolerates medium light well. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
• Water: soak 2 to 3 minutes, drain fully, then let the ball dry down noticeably before the next soak. Roughly every 7 to 10 days indoors. Check by weight. Heavy means wait, light means water.
• Water quality matters with this one. Dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine, and tap water is the usual cause of brown leaf tips. Use filtered or distilled water, or leave tap water out overnight before soaking.
• Temperature: normal indoor range, above 60F / 15C. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents.
• Brown tips can be trimmed at an angle with clean scissors. Trim just inside the brown and leave a thin edge, it looks more natural than cutting straight across.
• Lower leaves yellowing and dropping as the cane grows is normal. Sudden yellowing across the whole plant usually means too much water.

Every ball is formed and wrapped by hand, so the jute pattern and the shape of the sphere are unique to your piece. The plant varies too, in size, form, and color. Yours will not look exactly like the photo, and we think that is the best part.