What kind of palm tree is this?

December 18, 2013 8:36 PM

I bought this tree at a stoop sale about 8 years ago and they told me it was a "weeping palm". Just got around to googling that name and it looks like that might not be a real name for any kind tree, or at least any kind that tells me what kind of potting soil it wants. Help? Bonus points if you help me take awesome care of it.
posted by paul_smatatoes to Science & Nature (4 answers total)

Response by poster: Come to think of it, is it even a palm?
posted by paul_smatatoes at 8:41 PM on December 18, 2013

Best answer: Jamaro beat me to it. It really does look very similar to the Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata) that I have in my office.

Yours looks like it's doing pretty well, as there is no browning of the tip of the leaves. The one in my office is hardy and tolerates high temperature swings, deals fine with direct sunlight and dusty leaves. Just make sure you don't over-water, which might lead to root rot. If you get browning, or if you suspect salt build-up or that it needs a larger pot (if the roots are growing through the bottom of the pot), re-pot with all-purpose potting mix.
posted by gemmy at 8:53 PM on December 18, 2013

Dragon tree! I have one that I got in 4" pot at Wal Mart in 1993. I've had to trim it back several times when it's hit the ceiling ... it's a very hardy plant.
posted by Ostara at 9:26 PM on December 18, 2013

I think it's a dracaena anita which has curved longer leaves compared to the version linked by Jamaro. It's a pretty common houseplant. I have two which started as babies I picked up at Ikea. They are huge and healthy and all I do is water weekly and repot every summer.
posted by HeyAllie at 9:27 PM on December 18, 2013