How to Grow Dracaena reflexa? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Methods and Precautions
Dracaena reflexa is a plant with high ornamental value, and it is currently distributed in many parts of our country. Its main ornamental feature lies in its leaves, which are relatively slender and have some golden-yellow striped patterns distributed in the middle. Nowadays, many people like to grow Dracaena reflexa at home, but there are also many points that need attention when cultivating it.
How to Grow Dracaena reflexa
1. Substrate: Dracaena reflexa has good adaptability and can grow in clay and sandy soil, but it grows best in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil rich in humus. For home cultivation, a mixture of leaf mold and river sand or cinder ash can be used as the substrate.
2. Humidity: The optimum growth temperature for Dracaena reflexa is between 20-30°C, and the overwintering temperature is best kept above 10°C, as it is not tolerant of low-temperature freeze damage. During the growth process, a certain amount of air humidity is needed, otherwise the leaf color becomes dull and the glossiness decreases. During the growing season, clean water can be sprayed on the plant frequently, and if conditions permit, it is best to increase the moisture and humidity in the environment.
3. Light: Dracaena reflexa likes light but avoids direct scorching sun in summer. For home care, it can be placed under a south-facing window or on a balcony, only avoiding direct sunlight in summer, while in other seasons it is best to provide a certain amount of light, otherwise the golden-yellow stripes in the middle of the leaves will become dull and disappear, seriously reducing the ornamental value.
Cultivation Methods and Precautions for Dracaena reflexa
I. Cultivation Methods:
1. Watering: Dracaena reflexa has a relatively wide tolerance for water, and mild drought or moisture will not cause much harm, but in management it is best to water thoroughly after the surface layer of the potting soil dries, which is conducive to good growth. Watering alternately between dry and wet can make the branches and leaves dense and the internodes compact, giving high ornamental value.
2. Fertilizing: Dracaena reflexa does not have strict fertilizer requirements. During the growing season, chemical fertilizer or organic fertilizer liquid can be applied as a top dressing, but when applying chemical fertilizer, use a small amount at a time and apply frequently, and water promptly after fertilizing. In addition, when repotting and changing soil each year, a certain amount of decomposed organic fertilizer can be added as a base fertilizer to ensure good growth.
3. Pruning: Because Dracaena reflexa has a certain perennial-root nature and can grow new branches from the roots, the plant shape is generally good. Dracaena reflexa is relatively tolerant of pruning, and it is best to appropriately increase fertilizer and water management before and after pruning, which can ensure that the new branches and leaves grow better. Pruning is mainly for shaping, and of course, the need for cuttings during propagation is also one of the main reasons for pruning.
II. Precautions:
Dracaena reflexa is generally repotted once every 2 years as it grows, in March. And from March to September each year, take 10 cm stem sections and carry out cutting propagation in water or in a sealed environment. Secondly, in order to make the plant grow vertically and evenly, please regularly rotate the flower pot 1/4 turn.
Reasons for Yellowing Leaves of Dracaena reflexa
1. Lack of light. If during the process of cultivating Dracaena reflexa it is kept in a shaded environment for a long time without any light, then the leaves cannot get enough sunlight, cannot carry out photosynthesis, and cannot form chlorophyll, so the leaves of Dracaena reflexa will turn yellow.
2. Overwatering. During cultivation, if Dracaena reflexa is watered too much, it will cause root rot, which in turn causes the young leaves of Dracaena reflexa to become dark yellow and lusterless, while the old leaves will not be affected, but in severe cases the stems will become thin and yellow-green, and the new shoots will shrink and stop growing.
3. Too little fertilizing. If Dracaena reflexa is fertilized too little, the young leaves of Dracaena reflexa will become lighter in color and gradually turn yellow, while the old leaves of Dracaena reflexa remain relatively normal or gradually turn from green to yellow.
Solutions for Yellowing Leaves of Dracaena reflexa
1. If the leaves of Dracaena reflexa turn yellow due to a lack of light, then directly supplementing light for Dracaena reflexa is the best and most direct method. Therefore, Dracaena reflexa should be gradually moved from a cool place to a place with light for care, and it must be ensured that it sees light every day.
2. If it is caused by overwatering, Dracaena reflexa can be taken out of the pot and placed in a ventilated and cool place to let the soil ball dry naturally, and then put back into the pot. Also pay attention to reducing watering; it can be watered after the potting soil is seen to be dry, and not watered if it is not dry. Be sure not to let water accumulate.
3. When the leaves of Dracaena reflexa turn yellow due to excessive fertilizing, you can check whether the potting soil has hardened. If so, change the soil as soon as possible, usually apply thin fertilizer frequently and water with some alum water at the appropriate time, and note that a fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer should be applied.
In fact, cultivating Dracaena reflexa is very simple. You can start from aspects such as soil, temperature, and light, and in the later stage of cultivation, you also need to strengthen management in areas such as fertilizer, water, and pruning. Only by doing these well can you ensure that the Dracaena reflexa you cultivate grows well.