What to do when a Dracaena deremensis grows too tall? The correct way to prune the branches and leaves
When it comes to the Dracaena deremensis, many friends may not be very familiar with this plant. The Dracaena deremensis, also known as the Dracaena sanderiana and the Philippine iron tree, is a particularly beautiful tropical evergreen shrub. Its leaves are flat and long like banana leaves, but more compact than banana leaves, so it is especially suitable as an indoor decorative plant. But some flower lovers find that the Dracaena deremensis they grow has grown too tall, seriously affecting the overall appearance. So what should be done about this?
What to do when a Dracaena deremensis grows too tall
Like other similar plants such as the Dracaena fragrans and the Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana', the Dracaena deremensis is very tolerant of pruning. You can simply prune it at a suitable height (you decide, but it is best to choose a part that is more fully lignified), but before new shoots sprout, prevent rainwater and irrigation water from falling on the cut surface, otherwise it will cause rot!
How to prune the branches and leaves of a Dracaena deremensis
When pruning a Dracaena deremensis, you are actually cutting off branches, leaves and part of the roots. Before planting, the roots of the Dracaena deremensis can be pruned appropriately, cutting off all the rotten and broken parts. The branches and leaves also need to be pruned appropriately; you can cut off one third or one half, so that the plant's transpiration will be reduced and it will be easier to survive.
Secondly, when pruning a Dracaena deremensis, you also need to maintain its basic tree shape, so as to facilitate future shaping. If the pruning is too severe, it may make the plant's shape unattractive.
What to do when the leaves of a Dracaena deremensis turn yellow
1. Poor plant condition of the Dracaena deremensis causes the leaves to turn yellow
When growing a Dracaena deremensis, choosing a good plant is actually very important. If you accidentally choose a Dracaena deremensis that was already growing poorly, it may cause its leaves to turn yellow. When choosing a Dracaena deremensis, it is better to choose one that is relatively healthy, with relatively thick branches, and leaves that are not damaged or yellow.
2. The growing environment of the Dracaena deremensis causes the leaves to turn yellow
When growing a Dracaena deremensis, an unsuitable growing environment is also an important cause of the leaves turning yellow.
The Dracaena deremensis likes a hot, humid and semi-shaded growing environment. When growing it, these environmental needs of the Dracaena deremensis must be met. For example, if the temperature is too low, or if it is exposed to the sun, it will cause the leaves of the Dracaena deremensis to turn yellow and wither and the leaf tips to turn yellow.
3. Long-term water accumulation in the flower pot of the Dracaena deremensis causes the leaves to turn yellow
When growing a Dracaena deremensis, a humid environment needs to be maintained, so some people cannot resist watering heavily, which can very likely cause long-term water accumulation in the flower pot of the Dracaena deremensis. The roots cannot breathe, causing root rot, which will cause its leaves to turn yellow. Therefore, when growing a Dracaena deremensis, you must water reasonably, pay attention to drainage, and observe the growth of the Dracaena deremensis at all times to avoid root rot.
How to grow a Dracaena deremensis
First, we need to prepare the substrate for planting the Dracaena deremensis. You can use loose imported peat with good drainage and aeration in the Pindstrup 5-40mm specification. Add water to the peat and mix it well, then wait to plant it in cups. For a 14cm pot, the peat usage per pot is about 400 milliliters. One 300-liter bag of imported peat can fill about 750 cups.
Then choose high-quality seedlings from professional production, with a seedling height of 11cm and a crown width of 7-8cm, free of pests and diseases, dead leaves, yellow leaves, etc. When potting, generally use a pot with a caliber of 14cm. When planting, first place about 2cm of substrate at the bottom of the cup, then move the screened seedlings into the cup. Small seedlings should not be planted too deep; it is best to keep it level with the base of the plant. The substrate should be moderately loose and firm, filled to 9 parts full of the cup.
The rest is ordinary care. The Dracaena deremensis does not have a great demand for water; generally, watering should follow the principle of watering when dry and stopping when wet. The Dracaena deremensis grows relatively slowly and has a relatively small demand for fertilizer. In the first 3 to 4 months after planting, because the root system is not well developed, it is generally enough to water with water-soluble fertilizer once every half a month. If the amount of fertilizer water used is too large, it will instead be unfavorable to the growth of the Dracaena deremensis.
In summary, the leaves of the Dracaena deremensis are uniquely beautiful and evergreen in all four seasons. It has a certain ornamental value, and can also remove formaldehyde and purify the air, and is deeply loved and sought after by flower lovers. Friends who like it can grow a pot at home as a decorative plant!