How to Grow and Care for Dracaena Tarzan
Learn the key practices for growing a healthy Dracaena Tarzan. This guide helps maintain the plant's unique, full form and prevent common care problems.
The Dracaena Tarzan (Dracaena marginata ‘Tarzan’) is a distinctive houseplant prized for its unique structure. Compared to the common Dracaena marginata, the Tarzan variety has much thicker, sturdier trunks and a dense crown of stiff, sword-like leaves. Its bushy, upright growth and reputation as a resilient, low-maintenance plant make it a popular focal point for interior spaces.
Dracaena Tarzan Care Guide
Light
Dracaena Tarzan performs best in bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window that provides gentle morning sun is an ideal location. While the plant can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow and it can become less full and vibrant. Shield it from prolonged periods of direct, intense sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Water
This plant is drought-tolerant and sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Before watering, you should allow the top 50% to 75% of the soil to dry out completely. This might mean watering every one to two weeks, though this frequency will decrease in lower light conditions or during the winter months.
Soil
A well-draining soil mix is necessary for a healthy Dracaena Tarzan to prevent water from stagnating around the roots. An all-purpose indoor potting mix works well, especially when amended to improve its drainage. Incorporating materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand into the mix creates air pockets and allows excess water to escape efficiently.
Temperature and Humidity
Dracaena Tarzan thrives in typical indoor temperature ranges, preferring conditions between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C). It is well-suited to average household humidity but appreciates a more humid environment. If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray with water, or placing a humidifier nearby. Keep it away from cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents.
Fertilizer
Fertilize only during the active growing season of spring and summer. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half its recommended strength once a month. Dracaena plants are relatively slow growers and do not have heavy feeding requirements. Suspend any fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning is a useful technique for controlling the height of your Dracaena Tarzan or encouraging a fuller, bushier appearance. When a main cane is cut, the plant is stimulated to produce new branches just below the cut, leading to a denser shape. The best time for pruning is in the spring, which allows the plant to recover and push out new growth. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears for a clean cut.
The sections you remove during pruning provide excellent material for propagation. The top cutting, which includes the leafy crown, can be rooted to create a new plant. This can be done by placing the cutting in a jar of clean water until roots develop or by planting it directly into a pot with moist, well-draining soil. For water propagation, change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Common Problems
Brown leaf tips are a frequent issue, often caused by low humidity or minerals like fluoride in tap water. To prevent this, use filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Letting tap water sit for 24 hours before use may also help.
Yellowing leaves on the lower parts of the plant are a sign of overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil moisture and allow it to dry more thoroughly between waterings. Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can be managed by wiping leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by using an insecticidal soap.
Toxicity
Dracaena Tarzan is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. This toxicity is due to chemical compounds called saponins, which are present in all parts of the plant. If a pet consumes the plant, it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, and depression. In cats, dilated pupils may also be observed. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of a Dracaena Tarzan, contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance.