Dracaena unbent

Dracaena reflexa (Dracaena reflexa) is an evergreen plant belonging to the Asparagus family, whose homeland is the island of Madagascar. This tree, small in height, like all species of this plant, belongs to false palms, since it has their main external features - a bare trunk and shoots with leaves in the form of bunches at the ends. This kind dracaena slightly different from others in that it releases branches from the very base of the trunk and, when foliage appears, it becomes like a lush bush.

Among several varieties of dracaena, unbent florists distinguish two of the most popular ones - the "Song of Jamaica" and "Song of India". These two species differ from the others by their unusual foliage coloration. For example, in the first species, green leaves have a white border around the edge and a dark green strip in the middle. In the second species, the leaves are bordered by two light yellow stripes.

Dracaena unfolded consists of a bare stem, which is densely covered (as if it is wrapped in diameter) at the base of arcuate slightly curved leathery green leaves. The size of the leaves is 2.5 cm in width and about 16 cm in length. The houseplant blooms with small white flowers, collected in panicle inflorescences. The flowering period in indoor conditions is very rare.

Since dracaena of this species is considered a difficult-to-grow plant at home, it can be found most often in greenhouses. This capricious plant needs to create suitable climatic conditions, which is much more difficult to do in an ordinary room. For those who still want to see this exotic specimen in their apartment, you must strictly follow the basic rules of care and maintenance.

Caring for dracaena bent at home

Location and lighting

Throughout the year, except for the dormant period of plants, daylight hours should last at least 12-14 hours a day. In the summer months, the flower must be protected from direct sunlight, but the growing place should be light, partial shade will have a bad effect on the development of the plant. In those months when the daylight hours are short, it is necessary to use fluorescent lamps for additional lighting.

Temperature

Comfortable temperature for dracaena unbent in summer is from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. On especially hot days, when the air temperature exceeds this norm, you need to move the plant to a cooler place with an influx of fresh air (for example, on a balcony, veranda or outside). In the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to keep the indoor flower at a temperature of 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Watering

Irrigation water should be allowed to settle for a day, its temperature should not be lower than room temperature. It is recommended to water the dracaena regularly and abundantly in the summer, but so that the water does not stagnate in the flower container. Lack and excess of moisture in the soil will equally negatively affect the plant.In winter, watering should be reduced and only watered as needed, when the topsoil begins to dry out.

Air humidity

During the heating season, the air in the rooms becomes dry and dangerous for indoor plants. You can increase the humidity level with daily (morning and evening) sprays and a warm shower (twice or three times a week). In the summer, it is better to transfer the indoor flower to the open air and then spraying will not be needed. It is very important that no water remains in the leaf axils during water procedures, as this will lead to their decay.

The soil

The composition of the soil does not matter much for dracaena. It is desirable that it be air and moisture permeable. You can purchase a ready-made potting mix that is recommended for growing palm trees and add a little perlite to it. The acidity level of the soil should not exceed 6.0.

You can prepare your own dracaena soil mixture. Its composition: leaf and sod land - in three parts, sand and peat - in one part, plus any baking powder. When planting a young plant, all the components of the soil mixture should be in the same proportions.

Top dressing and fertilizers

Fertilizers are necessary for the bent dracaena during the period of active growth and development. Complex feeding (for example, "Ideal" or "Rainbow") is recommended to be applied 2 times a month.

Pruning and shaping the crown

In order to form a lush and beautiful crown at the tree, it is necessary to make a small pruning. You need to cut off the tops of the shoots, which are located above the visible buds. To awaken the dormant lateral buds, you need to take a regular plastic bag and put it on the cut sites. This will provide the plant with a favorable greenhouse environment that will encourage the emergence of new shoots. After their appearance, it is recommended to remove the package.

Transfer

Only young plants need to be transplanted every year, and for adults, once every 3 years is enough. When transplanting a bent dracaena, it is not necessary to violate the integrity of the earthen coma. Instead of replanting, you can replace the topsoil. The flowerpot or tub should be tall, but not wide.

Reproduction of the bent dracaena

Reproduction by tops

The top is rooted in a container of water for three months and then transplanted into a pot.

Propagation by air layers

The cuttings of the folded dracaena can be rooted in the seedling soil mixture by regularly moistening the soil.

Propagation by stem cuttings

The size of the prepared cutting is from 7 to 10 centimeters in length. Rooting takes place in moist soil. To create greenhouse conditions, the cuttings must be covered with a jar or bag of transparent material.

Diseases and pests

Pests - spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects, aphids. Urgent measures to save the plant include a thorough hot shower and spraying with insecticides.

Dracaena is sick only due to improper care. Excess or lack of moisture, dry air, hard water lead to yellowing and shedding of foliage, as well as the appearance of stains and drying.