Madagascar Dragon Tree

Dracaena marginata

Family: AsparagaceaeOrigin: Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian OceanZones: 10a-12b

Houseplant
Low maintenance

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

sap and foliage: irritant

Preparation

not applicable: this plant is not a food crop

Hazard type

mouth/stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea if ingested

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle: saponins. Clinical signs: vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils in cats (ASPCA); mouth and stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea in humans, with drooling, vomiting, and weakness in cats and dogs (NC State Extension).

Patent / trademark

not applicable

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: 10a-12b.
Water needs: allow to dry between waterings; well-drained soil
Mature size: 6-20 ft tall, 3-10 ft wide (typically to 6 ft as a houseplant); slow-growing shrub with arching to erect habit.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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