'Tricolor' dragon tree guide
Dracaena marginata 'Tricolor', also called Tricolor dracaena, rainbow dragon tree, 'Colorama'
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting and, in cats, dilated pupils.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Top cuttings or cane pieces, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Tricolor' dragon tree different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the dracaena care guide.
What it is
‘Tricolor’ is a dragon tree with thin, stiff leaves striped in green, cream, and red. From a distance, the plant looks lighter and brighter than a plain dragon tree. ‘Colorama’ is a close form with more red.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Tricolor’ | Green, cream, and red stripes | Cream stripes make it look pale |
| Dragon tree | Dark green with red edges | Dark green with only red edges |
| ‘Colorama’ | Pink-red and cream | Much more red |
Care differences
The cream and red stripes need bright indirect light. In low light, new leaves come in greener. A little morning sun brings out the red.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut the top off a cane in spring and root it in water or moist soil. The cane sprouts new tufts below the cut.
Buying it
‘Tricolor’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for bright stripes and full tufts with few brown tips.