What to do when a dragon bone plant (Euphorbia tirucalli) has root rot? Cut off the rotten roots, replace the soil, replant, and control water and fertilizer

Growing Techniques Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Dragon bone plant, also called measurement-of-heaven ruler (Euphorbia tirucalli), does the name not sound very imposing? Actually, imposing is just one of its traits. It is said that the dragon bone plant has strong efficacy, not only does it look good, but it also has certain medicinal value. Such a plant is naturally kept at home by many flower lovers, but during the cultivation process

I. When the dragon bone plant has root rot, find the cause

Flower lovers who have grown dragon bone plants should know that it is a plant that is not afraid of drought or sunlight, and can be said to be very easy to grow. But if you are a beginner and do not care for it according to the cultivation methods for dragon bone plants, it is easy to cause root rot. As for what to do when the dragon bone plant has root rot, you must first find the cause and then solve it accordingly. There are three specific causes: too much watering, improper fertilizing, and unsuitable soil. Let us continue reading below.

II. Causes of root rot in dragon bone plants and solutions

1. Too much watering

If you find that the dragon bone plant has root rot, you can consider whether there is a problem with watering. Because the dragon bone plant is drought-tolerant, it cannot be watered too much. Once there is too much, it will cause water accumulation in the pot, which leads to poor root respiration, and over time the roots of the dragon bone plant will rot.

Solution: If it is due to too much watering and the condition is not serious, move the pot soil to a ventilated sunny place (shade it in summer) so that the water evaporates quickly; if it is serious, it is recommended to replace it with new soil, then cut off the rotten roots and replant.

2. Improper fertilizing

Besides watering, improper fertilizing is also one of the causes of root rot in dragon bone plants. During the growth process of the dragon bone plant, proper fertilizing can make it grow better, but once the fertilizer is too concentrated or excessive, causing fertilizer damage, it will lead to root rot.

Solution: When the root rot is not serious, water the pot soil to dilute the fertilizer, then cut off the rotten roots and replant. After that, fertilizing should be done with skill, and it is best to apply thin fertilizer frequently. In winter, in order to prevent the root system from rotting, put the plant in the sun and turn the direction of the flower pot every once in a while.

3. Unsuitable soil

If the above two situations can be ruled out, then the root rot of the dragon bone plant may be caused by unsuitable soil. Although the dragon bone plant does not have high soil requirements, one point is very important, that is, the soil must be loose, breathable, and well-draining. Once this requirement is not met, it will cause poor root respiration in the dragon bone plant, or water accumulation in the pot, resulting in root rot.

Solution: When the condition is mild, we can repot the dragon bone plant with soil, replacing it with a culture soil that is loose, breathable, and well-draining. Then cut off the rotten roots of the dragon bone plant and replant.

II. How to remedy root rot in dragon bone plants, replant

The above three solutions for root rot in dragon bone plants refer to when the root rot is not serious; if the root rot is serious, everyone must promptly cut off the rotten part, keep the healthy part, and replant. The specific method is cutting propagation, which is introduced in detail in the cutting methods for dragon bone plants, so it will not be discussed further here.

After the dragon bone plant is re-cut, place it in a ventilated place and give it sufficient light. The temperature is best kept between 25-30°C. Do not fertilize. After about 30-40 days, the dragon bone plant will grow new roots. So how to remedy root rot in dragon bone plants? The best method is to cut off the rotten roots and re-cut.

Overall, dragon bone plants are not difficult to grow. As long as everyone pays a little more attention in daily care and controls water and fertilizer well, root rot in dragon bone plants will not occur. Of course, do not panic if root rot appears; just save it according to the methods above. Finally, may everyone's dragon bone plants bloom beautiful flowers.

Introduction to the cultivation methods of dragon bone plant, and precautions in care

As for the dragon bone plant, many flower lovers may be relatively unfamiliar with it. In fact, the dragon bone plant is a succulent plant. Its plant body is like a rack of ribs, and the plant will grow very tall and thick, with leaves growing at the top of the plant. Today I, the editor, will take everyone to learn about the cultivation methods of the dragon bone plant.

Cultivation methods

1. Temperature

It likes a warm environment and requires sufficient light. Although the dragon bone plant does not have very high temperature requirements, it is relatively sensitive to low temperatures. The suitable temperature for the growth of the dragon bone plant is between 25~35°C, and the overwintering temperature should be above 13°C, at least not lower than 10°C, otherwise freezing damage is likely to occur, causing the stem nodes of the dragon bone plant to rot.

2. Light

The dragon bone plant likes to grow in a semi-shaded environment. In winter, it should be placed in a sunny place indoors, and it can be placed in a place with sufficient indoor sunlight to receive sunlight. In summer, it should be placed in a place where it can be shaded. Summer light is strong, so the dragon bone plant should be maintained under semi-shaded environmental conditions with appropriate shading.

3. Soil

The dragon bone plant likes loose, fertile soil rich in humus. It can be prepared by mixing 1 part leaf mold and 1 part coarse sand with a small amount of decomposed chicken manure. The soil is required to be loose, breathable, and well-draining.

4. Watering

The dragon bone plant does not have high requirements for water and fertilizer. In spring and autumn, it requires watering thoroughly after drying, once every half month, but water should be sprayed on the plant every day to increase air humidity. In summer, evaporation is large, so water should be replenished in time, once a day, but avoid water accumulation on rainy days. In winter, the pot soil should be kept moderately dry, and the amount of watering should be reduced, but relatively high air humidity should be maintained.

5. Fertilizing

The demand for fertilizer is also not too high. During the growth period, apply decomposed liquid fertilizer once every 15 to 20 days, and stop fertilizing in winter.

6. Repotting

As the plant grows, it can be repotted once every one to two years. Because the root system of the dragon bone plant is not well developed, when repotting, you can choose a flower pot with a proportion suitable for the dragon bone plant, take out the dragon bone plant and let it dry for half a month before potting.

Precautions

1. In spring, water should not be too much. Watering once every 10 days or half a month is enough. In summer, the weather is hot and water evaporates quickly, so it needs to be watered once a day, preferably in the morning or evening. In winter, no special watering is needed, and keeping the soil moderately dry is better for its growth.

2. Be careful not to apply fertilizer too concentrated, so as to avoid fertilizer damage leading to root rot.

3. Common pests and diseases include fusarium wilt, anthracnose, and scab. Pay attention to the growth status of the dragon bone plant, discover pests and diseases in time, and treat them.

The above is the cultivation methods and precautions for dragon bone plants that I have compiled. I hope it can help the vast number of flower lovers, and please continue to follow Succulent Flower Garden to learn more about flower care knowledge.

50 kinds of potted plants suitable for indoor planting

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1: Silver King
Also known as Silver King Aglaonema, Silver King Chinese Evergreen, Silver King Chinese Evergreen
Family and genus Araceae, Aglaonema
Morphological characteristics
Perennial evergreen herb, stems very short, plant height 40-50 cm, leaves densely clustered, 20-25 cm long, 5-7 cm wide, lanceolate, leaves dark green, leaf surface densely covered with silver-gray patches, leaf back grayish green. Petioles have grayish green spots, and the base of the petiole is sheath-like and clasping the stem.
Cultivation value
Beautifies the study, living room, and bedroom, and can be placed for a long time.
Growth habits
Likes high-temperature and high-humidity environmental conditions, tolerates both moisture and drought, likes scattered light, is relatively shade-tolerant, and has no strict soil requirements, but likes fertile soil rich in humus.
Cultivation techniques
For potted plants, use leaf mold and river sand mixed in equal amounts to prepare the culture soil; apply liquid fertilizer once a month during the growth period; in summer, water fully and spray water on the leaf surface; gradually reduce the amount of watering in late autumn; in winter, do not water until the pot soil is dry; in winter, it should be brought indoors to overwinter, and the indoor temperature must not be lower than 10°C; when placed indoors for maintenance, pay attention to ventilation; in summer, it cannot be placed under the scorching sun.
2: Silver Queen
Also known as Silver Queen Chinese Evergreen, Silver Queen Chinese Evergreen, Silver Queen Aglaonema.
Family and genus Araceae, Aglaonema
Morphological characteristics
It is a perennial herbaceous plant. Plant height 30-40 cm, stems upright and unbranched, internodes obvious. Leaves alternate, petioles long, base enlarged into a sheath shape, leaves narrow and long, light green, leaf surface with gray-green stripes, relatively large area. Cultivation value The Silver Queen is famous for its unique air purification ability and can remove nicotine and formaldehyde.
Growth habits
Likes a warm and humid climate, is not cold-tolerant, likes scattered light, and especially fears direct summer sunlight; is not cold-tolerant, and when the temperature drops to 10°C, insulation measures must be taken. After freezing, the whole plant will rot.
Cultivation techniques
For potted plants, loose peat soil and grass peat soil are best, and leaf mold and sandy loam can also be mixed. Indoors, it should be placed in a place with strong light to make the leaf color bright; in winter it must not be lower than 15°C; in the peak growth seasons of spring and autumn, watering should be sufficient, the pot soil should often remain moist, and the branches and leaves should often be sprayed with clean water close to room temperature to prevent dry tips, but there must be no water accumulation.
3: Brazil Iron
Also known as Brazil Thousand-Year Wood, Golden-Edged Fragrant Dragon Blood Tree, Brazil Wood
Family and genus Liliaceae, Dracaena
Morphological characteristics
Liliaceae evergreen tree, potted height 50 cm-150 cm, branched; leaves clustered at the top of the stem, 40 cm-90 cm long, 6 cm-10 cm wide, curved in an arch shape, bright green and glossy; flowers small and inconspicuous, fragrant.
Cultivation value
Brazil Iron is mostly used as an indoor ornamental plant in homes or offices, and placing it beside a sofa is very stylish.
Growth habits
Likes high temperatures, and below 13°C the plant becomes dormant and stops growing; likes loose, well-draining soil; pot it with leaf mold or peat soil.
Cultivation techniques
Indoor placement of Brazil Iron should be in a place with sufficient light; if the light is too weak, the markings on the leaves will turn green, and the base leaves will yellow, losing ornamental value. During cultivation, keep the water clean, water 1-2 times a week, and do not use too much water to prevent the trunk from rotting. When the temperature is high in summer, spray to increase air humidity and spray water on the leaves to keep them moist.

4: Sago Cycad
Also known as Iron Tree, Phoenix-Tail Banana, Phoenix-Tail Pine, Fire-Avoiding Banana
Family and genus Cycadaceae, Cycas
Morphological characteristics
Evergreen palm-like woody plant; stem cylindrical, unbranched; stem densely covered with persistent leaf bases and leaf scars, and scaly; leaves spirally arranged, leaves grow from the top of the stem, leaves have 2 types: foliage leaves and scale leaves, foliage leaves pinnate, large, scale leaves short and small; leaflets linear, rolled inward when young, later spreading upward obliquely, slightly "V"-shaped, margins conspicuously revolute downward, thick leathery, hard, glossy.
Cultivation value
The sago cycad has a peculiar tree shape and verdant leaves, and has a rather tropical flavor. It is suitable to use multiple plants with rocks to create a scenic spot.
Growth habits
Likes light, slightly tolerant of semi-shade. Likes warmth, not very cold-tolerant, likes fertile, moist, and slightly acidic soil, but can also tolerate drought. Grows slowly, and plants more than 10 years old can bloom.
Cultivation techniques
In spring, water once every more than half a month. From late spring to the peak growth season in summer, let it receive sufficient light; water when dry, keep the soil moist, and spray water on the leaf surface in the morning and evening; apply relatively dilute liquid fertilizer once every ten days. After autumn, gradually control the frequency and amount of watering; let it receive sufficient direct sunlight; when the temperature is high, spray water appropriately. In winter, control the amount and frequency of watering, about once every half month.
5: Black Beauty
Also known as Spring Grass, Spreading Justicia
Family and genus Acanthaceae
Morphological characteristics
Perennial herb, plant low, only 5-10 cm tall. Leaves opposite, heart-shaped or broadly ovate, slightly wrinkled and curled, very much like black people's hair, hence the name. Mature plants are clustered, and the branches and leaves are dense and not easy to become messy.
Cultivation value
Black Beauty is also an indoor air purifier. It can increase the content of oxygen ions and can also absorb a certain amount of harmful gases such as formaldehyde, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide in the air. Growth habits It likes high temperature and humidity, and the suitable growth temperature is about 22-30°C.
Cultivation techniques
Cultivation is best with fertile sandy loam, with good drainage and good sunlight, and slight shade is also acceptable; for fertilizing, use oil cake or nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied once a month. More nitrogen fertilizer can promote beautiful leaf color. When a cold wave invades and the temperature is below 15°C, attention must be paid to preventing cold damage, avoiding frostbite of leaves due to overnight standing water.
6: Miniature Coconut
Also known as Dwarf Coconut, Miniature Palm, Dwarf Palm
Family and genus Arecaceae, Chamaedorea
Morphological characteristics
When potted, the miniature coconut does not exceed 1 m in height. Its stem is slender and upright, unbranched, dark green, with irregular ring patterns. Leaves grow from the top of the stem, pinnately compound, fully cleft, segments broadly lanceolate, 20-40 pinnate leaflets, sickle-shaped, dark green, glossy.
Cultivation value
It can simultaneously purify benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde in the air, and is a "high-efficiency air purifier" among plants.
Growth habits
Likes a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment, is not cold-tolerant, likes weak light, and avoids direct strong sunlight; is relatively drought-tolerant and also tolerant of waterlogging, and likes well-draining, fertile, moist soil. The suitable growth temperature is 20-30°C, enters dormancy at 13°C, and the minimum overwintering temperature in winter is 3°C.
Cultivation techniques
Generally, apply liquid fertilizer 1-2 times a month during the growing season, and apply a little fertilizer or no fertilizer in late autumn and winter; watering should follow the principle of preferring dryness to moisture, and the pot soil should just remain moist; when the air is dry in summer and autumn, spray water on the plant frequently; in winter, appropriately reduce the amount of watering to facilitate overwintering.
7: Peace Lily
Also known as White Sailing Flower, Spathe Leaf Taro, Peace Taro
Family and genus Araceae, Spathiphyllum
Morphological characteristics
Perennial evergreen herbaceous foliage plant. Plant height 40-60 cm, with short rhizomes, mostly clustered. Leaves oblong or nearly lanceolate, tapering at both ends, wedge-shaped at the base. The flower is a spathe, slightly fragrant, leaf-shaped, very much like a palm, hence the name Peace Lily.
Cultivation value
Peace Lily can inhibit waste gases exhaled by the human body such as ammonia and acetone, and it can also filter benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde in the air.
Growth habits
It likes a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment, and avoids direct strong sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant, and the suitable growth temperature is 20-28°C, with the overwintering temperature above 10°C.
Cultivation techniques
Potted Spathiphyllum requires loose soil with good drainage and aeration, and heavy clay soil cannot be used. During the growing season, apply liquid fertilizer once every 1-2 weeks; at the same time, supply sufficient water and often keep the pot soil moist. During high-temperature periods, water should also be sprayed on the leaf surface to increase air humidity; in late autumn and winter, reduce the amount of watering, and just keep the pot soil slightly moist; in winter, pay attention to cold protection and heat preservation, while keeping the pot soil moist.
8: Pothos Vine
Also known as Devil's Ivy, Stone Citrus, Bamboo-Leaf Grass
Family and genus Araceae, Epipremnum
Morphological characteristics
Pothos vines grow several meters long. In tropical regions, they often climb and grow on rocks and tree trunks in rainforests. There are aerial roots at the internodes. As the plant ages, the stems thicken and the leaves become larger and larger, and it can grow into a huge vine plant; a few leaves will also carry slight yellow or white mottling.
Cultivation value
In addition to its high ornamental value, pothos can also effectively absorb and remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air, making it a natural "air purifier."
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment, and requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil; it is sensitive to light and should be kept out of direct sunlight; it can tolerate relatively dry conditions and still grows well when air humidity is 40%-50%.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil should be loose, fertile, and rich in organic matter; pothos requires a environment with relatively high temperatures and strong diffused light; while watering moderately and keeping the potting soil on the dry side, frequently spray water on the leaf surfaces and undersides. In summer and autumn, spray water on the leaf surfaces every morning, noon, and evening to increase humidity; apply diluted liquid fertilizer once every 10-1 days, and since the plant branches heavily, it should be pruned appropriately.
9: Emerald Green
Alternative Names: Long-leaf Philodendron, Emerald Green Philodendron
Family and Genus: Araceae, Philodendron
Morphological Characteristics
Emerald Green Philodendron is a climbing species with thick, sturdy stems and aerial roots at the nodes; the leaves are long heart-shaped, 25-35 cm long and 12-18 cm wide, with a pointed tip, a deeply heart-shaped base, green color, entire margins, and a glossy surface. Both the young shoots and leaf sheaths are green.
Cultivation Value
It is often grown as a medium to large specimen and displayed in halls, conference rooms, offices, and other places, where it looks extremely impressive.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment. The optimum growth temperature is 20-28°C, and the overwintering temperature is 5°C.
Cultivation Techniques
Generally, water once a day in spring and summer, and once every 3-5 days in autumn; in winter, reduce the amount of watering, but do not let the potting soil dry out completely. During the growing season, pay attention to regular fertilizing, generally applying fertilizer 1-2 times a month; in late autumn and winter, when growth slows or stops, fertilization should be stopped. It prefers bright light but avoids strong direct sunlight.
10: Green Emperor
Alternative Names: Green Emperor Philodendron, Emperor
Family and Genus: Araceae, Philodendron
Morphological Characteristics
The stem of Green Emperor has short internodes, with a spacing of about 1-2°C cm, and adventitious aerial roots often grow at the nodes; the stem can reach 2-4°C cm in thickness, is light brown, and has poor upright growth; the leaves are large, clustered in a rosette, gradually changing from yellow-green to green or dark green, and glossy.
Cultivation Value
It has environmental benefits, can absorb dust and large amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, release oxygen, freshen indoor air, and increase negative oxygen ion content.
Growth Habits
It prefers high humidity and high temperatures and is best planted in slightly acidic soil.
Cultivation Techniques
When cultivating Green Emperor, use slightly acidic peat soil or soil with high humus content plus a small amount of sandy soil or perlite; watering should be thorough,
and should be adjusted flexibly according to the season and temperature, with the principle of keeping the potting soil moist; the suitable growth temperature for Green Emperor is 20-30°C, and the air
humidity should not be lower than 70%; in autumn, the temperature should be kept above 14°C.
11: Lucky Bamboo
Alternative Names: Wanshou Bamboo, Dracaena sanderiana, Fortune Bamboo, Lucky Tower, Bamboo
Tower, Tower Bamboo.
Family and Genus: Agavaceae, Dracaena.
Morphological Characteristics
An evergreen subshrub-like plant; the plant height is over 1 m, the plant is slender, and the upper part is upright with branches; the rhizome is horizontal and nodular; the leaves are alternate or nearly opposite, papery, long lanceolate, with 3-7 obvious main veins, short petioles, and deep green color; the umbel has 3-10 flowers growing in the leaf axils or opposite the upper leaves, with 6 perianth segments, a bell-shaped corolla, and purple color; the berry is nearly spherical and black.
Cultivation Value: Mainly used as a potted ornamental plant, with high ornamental value.
Growth Habits: It prefers shady, humid, and high-temperature conditions, is tolerant of shade, waterlogging, and heavy fertilizing, and has strong cold resistance.
Cultivation Techniques
For lucky bamboo grown in water in a vase, change the clean water every 3-4 days; after rooting, it should not be changed frequently, and after water evaporates, only add water in time; the water to be added should first be stored in a container for one day, and the water should be kept clean and fresh; do not use dirty water, hard water, or water mixed with oil, otherwise the roots rot easily; do not place lucky bamboo next to a television or in places where air conditioners or electric fans often blow, to avoid the leaf tips and leaf edges drying up.
12: Snake Plant
Alternative Names: Tiger Skin Plant, Jinlan, Golden-edged Snake Plant, Silver-veined Snake Plant.
Family and Genus: Agavaceae, Sansevieria
Morphological Characteristics
The underground stem is unbranched, and the leaves are clustered, tubular in the lower part and flattened in the middle and upper part, with rigid, upright sword-shaped leaves; the plant height is 50 cm to 70 cm, leaf width is 3 cm to 5 cm, leaf margins are entire, and the surface is interspersed with milky white, pale yellow, and dark green in horizontal banded markings.
Cultivation Value
Placing a snake plant in the bathroom can absorb moisture and kill bacteria. Growth Habits: Drought-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, and shade-tolerant, able to adapt to various harsh environments.
Cultivation Techniques
Watering should be moderate, not too wet; from spring to autumn, when growth is vigorous, water fully; during the winter dormant period, control watering and keep the soil dry, and avoid pouring water into the leaf cluster; be sure to avoid water accumulation, so as to prevent rot that causes the leaves to fold below; fertilizing should not be excessive. During the peak growing season, apply fertilizer 1-2 times a month, with a small amount each time.
13: Sun God
Alternative Names: Dense-leaved Dracaena, Green Dense Dragon Blood Tree, Apollo Millennium Tree, Dense
Leaf Dragon Blood Tree
Family and Genus: Agavaceae, Dracaena
Morphological Characteristics
An evergreen small tree, dwarf variety. The stem is upright and unbranched, and the leaves are densely whorled, long elliptical lanceolate, 10-15 cm long and 2-4 cm wide, deep green. Cultivation Value: The Sun God has a compact and small plant form and excellent green leaves, making it a treasure for indoor greenery decoration.
Growth Habits
It prefers high temperature and high humidity and a semi-shaded environment, is drought-tolerant, and has strong shade tolerance; the suitable growth temperature is 22-28°C. Growth is slow. It prefers well-drained soil rich in humus.
Cultivation Techniques
In spring and autumn, place it in a bright place, and when the air is dry, be careful to spray water to ensure suitable air humidity for growth; do not expose it to direct sunlight; during high summer temperatures, if the air is too dry, the leaf tips will scorch, so spray water on the leaf surface frequently; in winter, water less, at most once a week during the growing season; during the winter dormant period, water once every 10-15 days.
14: Spider Plant
Alternative Names: Potted Grass, Hook Orchid, Gui Orchid, Hanging Bamboo Orchid, Crane Orchid
Family and Genus: Liliaceae, Chlorophytum
Morphological Characteristics
Spider plant is a perennial herb with clustered cylindrical fleshy fibrous roots and rhizomes; the edges or center of the green leaves are edged with yellow-white stripes; it has flowers, white, with the flowering period in spring and summer, and it can also bloom indoors in winter.
Cultivation Value
Spider plant has the function of absorbing toxic gases and purifying the air.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment. It is highly adaptable, relatively drought-tolerant, not very cold-tolerant; it also tolerates weak light.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil should be kept moist regularly, and during the vigorous growth period, spray water on the leaf surface 1-2 times a day to increase air humidity; in summer, water once each morning and evening, in spring and autumn water once a day, and in winter avoid moisture, watering once every 4-5 days, with the amount not too much; during the growing season, apply liquid fertilizer once every two weeks; spider plant prefers a semi-shaded environment and can be grown year-round in a bright indoor location.
15: Aglaonema 'Silver Queen'
Alternative Name: White Snow Aglaonema
Family and Genus: Araceae, Aglaonema
Morphological Characteristics
The plant is upright, and the leaves are lanceolate, leathery, sharply pointed, and dark green; on both sides of the midrib there are large silver-gray striped patches, and the leaf margins and midvein are dark green; it has strong growth vigor and branches easily.
Cultivation Value
Purifies formaldehyde and removes volatile organic compounds
Growth Habits
The optimum growth temperature is 18-30°C; it prefers moisture and fears dryness, is shade-tolerant, and fears strong light.
Cultivation Techniques
The soil should be fertile, loose, and acidic loam with strong water retention. It prefers moisture and fears dryness; during the stem and leaf growth period, sufficient water is needed. In addition to normal watering, spray water every morning and evening; in summer, maintain air humidity at 60%-70%, and in winter at around 40%. However, when the indoor temperature is low in winter, watering and spraying should be reduced, otherwise the potting soil will be too wet, the roots will rot easily, and the leaves will turn yellow and wither.
16: Money Tree
Alternative Names: Coin Tree, Zamioculcas, Zamioculcas zamiifolia, Dragon and Phoenix Tree
Family and Genus: Araceae, Zamioculcas
Morphological Characteristics
There is no main stem above ground; adventitious buds sprout from the tuber to form large compound leaves, and the leaflets are fleshy with short petiolules, firm and deep green; the underground part is a swollen tuber; the leaves emerge from the roots, and the pinnate compound leaves grow from the top of the tuber, with a strong leaf axis, and the leaflets are opposite or nearly opposite on the leaf axis. The base of the petiole is swollen and woody; each compound leaf has 6-10 pairs of leaflets, with a lifespan of more than 2-3 years, constantly renewed by new leaves.
Cultivation Value
The money tree is a fairly popular large indoor bonsai plant.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, hot, slightly dry, semi-shaded environment with small annual temperature fluctuations; it is relatively drought-tolerant, but fears cold, avoids strong sunlight, and fears water accumulation.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil is best kept slightly moist and on the dry side; in winter, pay attention to spraying water on the leaf surface and the surrounding environment so that the relative air humidity reaches above 50%. From mid-
autumn onward, reduce watering, or replace watering with spraying; in winter, pay special attention that the potting soil must not be overly moist, and is best kept on the dry side, otherwise
under low-temperature conditions, overly wet potting soil is more likely to cause root rot, or even death of the whole plant.
17: Golden Diamond
Alternative Names: Golden Diamond Philodendron, Spring Feather, Philodendron
Family and Genus: Araceae, Philodendron
Morphological Characteristics
Palm-shaped, thick, with pinnate deep lobes, glossy; the petiole is long and sturdy, and the aerial roots are extremely developed and thick, hanging down in abundance. The leaves are evenly matched and moderately spread, the leaf texture is thick and emerald green, and the leaf surface has a hard, glossy luster; each leaf lives up to 30 months.
Cultivation Value
It has high ornamental value and also purifies the air.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded environment, fears severe cold, avoids strong light, and is suitable for growing in sandy loam rich in humus and well-drained.
Cultivation Techniques
Watering should be done when the surface soil is slightly dry, and it must not be too wet; if the potting soil remains moist for a long time, the roots will rot; during the growing period, place it in
a semi-shaded spot, and in summer avoid direct sunlight; when grown indoors in a pot, place it near a window. Watering should keep the soil moist regularly; when dry,
spray water on the plant to moisten and cool it; May to September is the peak growing season, and fertilize with water 1-2 times a month, not too much.
18: Goddess Guanyin Bamboo
Alternative Names: Phoenix-tail Bamboo, Rice Bamboo, Tendon-head Bamboo, Penglai Bamboo
Family and Genus: Poaceae, Bambusa
Morphological Characteristics
The culms are densely clustered, short and slender but hollow; the culms are 1-3 m tall and 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter, with leafy branchlets drooping, each branchlet having 9-13 leaves, the leaves small, linear-lanceolate to lanceolate, 3.3-6.5 cm long and 0.4-0.7 cm wide. The plant is clustered and bends downward.
Cultivation Value
It is often used for potted ornamentation, embellishing small courtyards and living rooms, and is also often used to make bonsai or as low hedge material.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment, has slightly poor cold tolerance, does not tolerate strong sunlight, and fears waterlogging.
Cultivation Techniques
Its cold tolerance is somewhat poor, so in winter it should be moved indoors for warmth; in summer it should not be exposed to the sun and needs to be kept under a shade shed; during the vigorous growth period, water frequently and keep the potting soil moist, but avoid water accumulation; in summer, water once every 1 to 2 days on average, and in winter water less, but ensure the potting soil is moist to prevent "dry freezing"; each year during the growing period, topdress 2-3 times; at the same time, shorten overly long branches and stems.
19: Areca Palm
Alternative Names: Yellow Coconut, Purple Palm
Family and Genus: Arecaceae, Dypsis
Morphological Characteristics
Clump-forming evergreen shrub or small tree. The stems are smooth, yellow-green, spineless, covered with a waxy bloom when young, and bear conspicuous leaf scars in a ringed pattern. The fronds are smooth and slender, pinnately compound, fully divided, 40-150 cm long, with slightly curved petioles and soft tips; the leaflets are linear-lanceolate and asymmetrical on the two sides, the middle leaflets about 50 cm long, the terminal leaflets only 10 cm, with long tapering tips, often with 2 short lobes, and the midrib raised on the underside.
Cultivation Value
Potted areca palm is a high-grade foliage houseplant for decorating living rooms, dining rooms, meeting rooms, family rooms, studies, bedrooms or balconies, and it
can also be used medicinally, mainly to treat hematemesis, hemoptysis, bloody stool and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid, semi-shaded and well-ventilated environment; it is not cold-tolerant, is fairly shade-tolerant, and fears scorching sun.
Cultivation Techniques
Watering should follow the principle of "dry thoroughly, wet thoroughly" according to the season; water more in dry, hot seasons and control watering in cold, rainy weather. Liquid fertilizer can be applied all year round; in summer, top-dress appropriately with nitrogen-containing organic fertilizer, and in winter apply organic flower fertilizer such as sesame paste residue. Rotate the pot regularly, frequently prune the lower and inner dead leaves, and pay attention to shaping the crown. In winter, the indoor temperature must be kept above 10°C.
20: Peacock Plant
Alternative Names: Blue-flowered Banana, Five-colored Arrowroot
Family and Genus: Marantaceae, Calathea
Morphological Characteristics
Perennial evergreen herb. 30-60 cm tall, leaves 15-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, ovate-elliptical, thin, leathery, with purplish-red petioles. The green leaf surface shows a faint metallic sheen and is bright and gorgeous, with pinnate, dark green, long elliptical velvety patches arranged alternately along both sides of the midrib. The leaf underside is purplish-red.
Cultivation Value
It can remove ammonia pollution from the air (within 10 sq m it can remove 0.86 mg of formaldehyde and 2.19 mg of ammonia).
Growth Habits
It prefers semi-shade, is not tolerant of direct sunlight, and adapts to growing in a warm, humid environment.
Cultivation Techniques
For potted peacock plant, use loose, fertile, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acidic loam, and provide plenty of water during the growing season,
especially in summer and autumn, in addition to keeping the potting soil moist at all times, you must also frequently spray water on the leaves to cool and moisturize. It dislikes dry air and dry potting soil,
but must not be waterlogged. After late autumn, water should be controlled to help it resist cold and overwinter.
21: Ivy
Alternative Names
Tu Gu Teng, Zuan Tian Feng, San Jiao Feng, Climbing Ivy, San Gu Feng,
Feng He Li Teng
Family and Genus: Araliaceae, Hedera
Morphological Characteristics
The stems produce aerial roots to climb on other objects; young leaves and inflorescences are covered with star-shaped scales; the leaves are petiolate, thick in texture, and the leaves of creeping shoots are slightly triangular and palmate. Its fruits, seeds and leaves are all poisonous.
Cultivation Value: It can purify indoor air, absorb harmful gases such as benzene and formaldehyde, and can also effectively resist the carcinogens in nicotine.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, shaded environment and dislikes direct sunlight, but likes ample light; it is fairly cold-tolerant, strongly resistant, and not demanding about soil and water, with neutral and slightly acidic soil being best.
Cultivation Techniques
Ivy cultivation and management are simple and extensive, but it should be planted in a place with moist soil and circulating air; for pot cultivation, various supports can be tied to train and shape it; in summer keep it under a shade shed, and in winter move it into a greenhouse to overwinter; indoors the air humidity should be maintained and it must not be too dry, but the potting soil should not be too wet.
22: Clivia
Alternative Names: Large-flowered Clivia, Large-leaved Lycoris, Sword-leaved Lycoris, Da Mu Lan
Family and Genus: Amaryllidaceae, Clivia
Morphological Characteristics
Clivia is a perennial herbaceous plant with fleshy fibrous roots; the leaf bases form a false bulb; the leaves are sword-shaped, up to 45 cm long, alternately arranged, with entire margins; the umbel inflorescence is terminal, each inflorescence has 7-30 florets, and some can reach more than 40; the florets are stalked, arranged in an umbel at the top of the flower scape, funnel-shaped, upright, yellow or orange-yellow. It can bloom all year round, mainly in spring and summer.
Cultivation Value
Clivia has very high ornamental value, and also has the function of purifying air and medicinal value.
Growth Habits
It dislikes strong light and is a semi-shade plant; it likes cool conditions and dislikes high temperatures. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and humidity, and dislikes dry environments.
Cultivation Techniques
Clivia is suitable for soil rich in humus. Generally, in spring water once a day; in summer, use a fine watering can to water both the leaf surface and the surrounding ground together, and on sunny days water twice a day; in autumn water once every other day; in winter water once a week or less.
23: Split-leaf Philodendron
Alternative Names: Chun Yu, Split-leaf Philodendron, Tree Philodendron, Little Angel Philodendron
Family and Genus: Araceae, Philodendron
Morphological Characteristics
Perennial evergreen herbaceous foliage plant; the stem is extremely short, and the leaves extend in all directions from the top of the stem, densely and neatly arranged, forming a clump. The leaves are huge, with thick, coarse pinnate deep lobes, dark green and glossy. The stem is upright and woody, producing many aerial roots; the plant is tall, reaching more than 1.5 m. The leaves are clustered, borne at the tip of the stem; the leaves are broadly heart-shaped, with the whole leaf pinnately deeply lobed like a palm.
Cultivation Value
The split-leaf philodendron has a peculiar leaf form and is very shade-tolerant; it is suitable for indoor hall display and is especially suitable for decorating music tearooms and hotel lounges.
Growth Habits
Split-leaf philodendron likes a hot, humid environment and is not strict about light; it is not cold-tolerant and tolerates shade; it can be grown in pots anywhere indoors where the light is not too weak; it likes fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and the winter temperature should not be below 5°C.
Cultivation Techniques
During the growing season, apply some light fertilizer appropriately, but not too much; usually spray water on the leaves often, and in winter watering should be properly controlled; in summer high temperatures, avoid hot, strong direct sunlight; in summer water thoroughly twice a day, frequently spray the leaves, clean the leaf surface, and keep it fresh and moist.
24: Dumb Cane
Alternative Names: Dripping Lotus, Buddha's Hand Lotus
Family and Genus: Araceae, Alocasia
Morphological Characteristics
Under warm, humid conditions with sufficient soil moisture, water drips down from the leaf tips or leaf edges; moreover, its flowers resemble Guanyin, hence the name Dripping Guanyin.
Cultivation Value
The white sap in the stem of dumb cane is poisonous, and the dripping water is also poisonous, but it can purify the air.
Growth Habits
Perennial evergreen herbaceous plant, it prefers a warm, humid and semi-shaded environment and is not cold-tolerant.
Cultivation Techniques
During the growing season keep the potting soil moist; in summer place it in a semi-shaded, ventilated spot and frequently spray water around it and on the leaves to increase air humidity,
lower leaf temperature and keep the leaves clean; in winter stop fertilizing and control the frequency of watering.
25: Money Tree
Alternative Names: Gua Li, Chinese Kapok
Family and Genus: Bombacaceae, Pachira
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen small tree, with palmately compound leaves, 7-11 leaflets, oblong or obovate. The plant form is graceful, the leaves bright green, and the trunk hammer-shaped. Its vitality is quite vigorous. Outdoor adult plants bloom and bear fruit in spring, summer and autumn.
Cultivation Value
Potted plants are suitable for indoor arrangement and beautification.
Growth Habits
It likes a hot, humid environment and has poor cold tolerance; seedlings dislike frost; it likes fertile, loose, breathable, water-retentive sandy loam, and likes acidic soil while disliking alkaline
soil or heavy clay soil; it is fairly tolerant of waterlogging and also slightly tolerant of drought; it likes light, but is strongly shade-tolerant.
Cultivation Techniques
Watering should follow the principle of "water when dry, stop when wet"; in spring and autumn, control the watering frequency according to sunny or rainy weather and dry or wet conditions, generally watering once a day. When the temperature exceeds 35°C, water at least twice a day. During the growing season, fertilize twice a month, and for the new leaves that grow, also pay attention to spraying water to maintain relatively high environmental humidity to benefit its growth. In winter, water once every 5-7 days, and ensure it receives fairly ample light.
26: Anthurium
Alternative Names: Flamingo Flower, Anzu Flower, Crane Flower, Red Goose Palm
Family and Genus: Araceae, Anthurium
Morphological Characteristics
Anthurium is a perennial evergreen herbaceous flower; its plant height is generally 50-80 cm; it has fleshy roots and no stem; the leaves are drawn from the rhizome, with long petioles, solitary, heart-shaped, bright green, with sunken veins; the flowers are axillary, the spathe is waxy, from perfectly round to ovate, bright red, orange-red flesh-colored or white, with a spadix, cylindrical and upright; it blooms in all four seasons.
Cultivation Value
Its flowers are unique, being a spathe, with bright, gorgeous and rich colors; it is a precious flower in the world.
Growth Habits
It prefers warmth, shade and humidity, dislikes heat, and fears direct sunlight; its roots are aerial roots, so it requires good ventilation.
Cultivation Techniques
The optimum temperature for anthurium growth is 18°C-28°C; in spring and autumn, generally water once every 3 days, and if the temperature is high, water once every 2-3 days depending on how dry or wet the potting medium is; in summer, water once every 2 days, and when the temperature is high, water one extra time; in winter, generally water once every 5-7 days; anthurium growth requires relatively high air humidity, generally not lower than 50%.
27: Aloe
Alternative Names: Lu Hui, Ne Hui, Xiang Dan, Nu Hui
Family and Genus: Asphodelaceae, Aloe
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen, succulent herbaceous plant; the leaves are clustered, forming a rosette or borne at the top of the stem; the leaves are often lanceolate or short and broad, with sharp tooth-like spines along the edges; the inflorescence is umbellate, racemose, spicate or paniculate, etc., colored red, yellow or with reddish spots, with six petals and six pistils. The perianth base is mostly united into a tube.
Cultivation Value
Ornamental, medicinal and edible
Growth Habits
It likes a warm, dry, semi-shaded environment; it is not cold-tolerant, fears high temperature and excessive moisture, and dislikes strong direct sun.
Cultivation Techniques
The most suitable growth temperature for aloe is 15-20°C, and the lowest temperature must not be below 2°C; for potted aloe, keep the potting soil mainly dry, keep it alternating between dry and wet, and never overwater; in summer, when the temperature is high and evaporation is great, generally water once every 2 to 3 days, and in the morning and evening spray water on the leaves; in spring and autumn, keep it mainly dry and water less. In winter, generally water once a month.
28: Dracaena
Alternative Names
Family and Genus: Liliaceae
Morphological Characteristics
The plant can reach 4 m tall, sometimes branched, with upright stems; the leaves are broadly linear, clustered, 30-40 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, long elliptical or lanceolate, with pointed tips and tapering bases, and the leaf color is entirely green; it is mainly grown for its foliage and belongs to the foliage plants.
Cultivation Value
Growth Habits
Shade-tolerant, it likes high temperature and humidity, and in winter it should be kept warm and sheltered from wind
Cultivation Techniques
Fertile loam or humus soil is best, and drainage must be good; place it in a brighter spot indoors and avoid strong direct sunlight in summer; light that is too strong or too dim will cause the leaves to lose their color and turn green, and too dark an environment will cause the lower leaves of the stem to fall off; follow the principle of keeping it wet rather than dry when watering, reduce watering in winter, and it is best to let it go dormant.
29: Norfolk Island Pine
Alternative Names
Family and Genus: Araucariaceae, Araucaria
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen tall tree; it can be grown as a large potted plant and can reach about 2 m tall. The crown of young trees is spire-shaped; the large branches are spreading or slanting, and the lateral branchlets are densely drooping and arranged nearly pinnately; the leaves on young trees and lateral branches are awl-shaped, needle-shaped or triangular, slightly four-angled, 7-20 cm long, and rather loosely arranged and spreading.
Cultivation Value
Potted seedlings are suitable for embellishing ordinary living rooms, corridors and studies; they can also be used to decorate various forms of meeting places and exhibition halls.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm climate, fresh and humid air, and soft, ample light. It is not cold-tolerant and dislikes drought.
Cultivation Techniques
Watering should be moderate at ordinary times, and frequent during the growing season, 2 to 3 times a week, with the water penetrating 10 to 15 cm deep. As the seedling grows, reduce the frequency of watering, and keep the potting soil and the surrounding environment constantly moist, strictly guarding against drought and waterlogging. In hot, dry weather, often spray water or mist onto the leaves and the surrounding environment to increase air humidity and keep the soil moist.
30: Bird's-nest Fern
Aliases: Nest Fern, Shan Su Hua, Crown Fern
Family and Genus: Aspleniaceae, Asplenium
Morphological Characteristics
The bird's-nest fern is a medium-sized epiphytic fern, with a funnel-shaped or bird's-nest-shaped plant form, and a plant height of 60-120 cm. The rhizome is short and upright, and the stipe is thick and densely covered with large clumps of spongy fibrous roots. The leaves are clustered, arranged radially at the top of the rhizome, with a hollow, nest-like structure. The leathery leaves are broadly lanceolate, about 1 m long, 9-15 cm wide at the middle, smooth on both sides, with veins slightly raised on both surfaces.
Cultivation Value
The bird's-nest fern is a relatively large shade-loving foliage plant.
Growth Habits
It prefers high temperatures and humidity, and is not tolerant of strong light.
Cultivation Techniques
For potted bird's-nest ferns, peat soil or leaf mold is best. The suitable growth temperature is 22-27 degrees C; indoors it should be placed in a bright spot and not kept in a dark place for a long time. Under conditions of high temperature and high humidity in summer, when new leaves grow vigorously, more spraying is needed, thoroughly spraying the leaf surfaces. As the leaves enlarge, they often cover all the potting soil, so watering must soak the pot thoroughly, and take care that water does not accumulate in the pot.
31: Philodendron panduriforme
Aliases: Fiddle-leaf Philodendron, Fiddle-leaf Vine, Split-leaf Philodendron
Family and Genus: Araceae, Philodendron
Morphological Characteristics
It is a perennial herbaceous plant. The stem is trailing and woody, bearing many aerial roots that can attach to other objects for growth. The leaf base is widened and the middle is narrow, shaped like a violin, leathery, dark green, and glossy.
Cultivation Value
Suitable for indoor and hall display.
Growth Habits
It prefers a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, is not drought-tolerant, has strong shade tolerance, and likes fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy loam. It is not cold-tolerant and dislikes scorching sun exposure.
Cultivation Techniques
It is mostly grown as a potted climbing plant. Stand a lightweight, corrosion-resistant wooden stick 5-8 cm in diameter in the center of the pot, about 80-120 cm tall, and wrap it tightly with palm fiber. During the growing season, water the pot and the palm fiber frequently, and often spray water on the leaves and surroundings to increase air humidity. Apply a dilute organic liquid fertilizer about once every half month. In winter, control water and fertilizer to prevent cold damage.
32: Dragon Tree
Aliases
Family and Genus: Agavaceae
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen shrub; the stem is round and straight, the leaves are slender, new leaves extend upward and old leaves hang down; the middle of the leaf is green, with purplish-red stripes along the edges.
Cultivation Value
The leaves and roots can absorb xylene, toluene, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde, and break them down into non-toxic substances.
Growth Habits
It prefers high temperatures and high humidity, and is also drought-tolerant and shade-tolerant, with low demands for sunlight, and is easy to grow in water.
Cultivation Techniques
Generally, keeping the relative air humidity at around 80% is best, especially in summer and autumn, when soft water mist can often be sprayed on the leaf surfaces. It can be placed in a bright indoor spot or one without sunlight; if kept indoors for a long time, it is best to give it sun once a week.
33: Desert Rose
Alias: Tian Bao Hua
Family and Genus: Apocynaceae, Adenium
Morphological Characteristics
The flowers of the desert rose resemble small trumpets, rose-red, in umbel-like clusters of three to five, brilliant as brocade, blooming continuously through the four seasons. The single leaves are alternate, obovate, with an acute tip, 8 cm-10 cm long and 2 cm-4 cm wide, leathery, glossy, dark green on the upper surface and grayish-green on the underside.
Cultivation Value
Growth Habits
It prefers a high-temperature, dry environment with plenty of sunlight; it tolerates severe heat, is not cold-tolerant, is drought-tolerant, and dislikes excessive moisture.
Cultivation Techniques
Potted plants need plenty of sunlight and good drainage; during the growing season they should be kept dry rather than wet, watered once a day in the high heat of summer and once every 2-3 days at ordinary times; fertilize 2-3 times a year; in winter, during the dry dormant period, the leaves normally fall; when grown indoors, ample light is required.
34: Dumb Cane
Alias: Dieffenbachia
Family and Genus: Araceae, Dieffenbachia
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen shrub-like herb, with a stout, fleshy stem, plant height up to 1.5 m; the leaves are large and glossy, borne on the upper part of the stem, elliptic-ovate or broadly lanceolate, with a tapering tip, entire margins, 20-50 cm long and 5-15 cm wide; the broad leaves are dark green on both sides, set with dense, irregular spots, markings or patches in varying colors such as white, milky white and pale yellow.
Cultivation Value
Young plants in small pots can be placed on a desk or windowsill for viewing. Medium-sized potted plants can be placed in a living room corner or beside a sofa as decoration.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid and semi-shaded environment; it is not cold-tolerant, fears drought, and dislikes strong light exposure.
Cultivation Techniques
Dumb cane likes moisture and fears dryness; the potting soil should be kept moist. During the growing season, water thoroughly and spray water around it and mist the plant; soil moisture is best kept alternating between dry and wet. Water more in summer, and control watering in winter, otherwise, if the potting soil is too wet, the roots rot easily.
35: Golden Pothos
Aliases
Family and Genus: Araceae, Epipremnum
Morphological Characteristics
A perennial trailing climbing plant with aerial roots, able to climb and grow on tree trunks, walls and other surfaces; the stem nodes have grooves; the leaves are leathery, oblong, with a heart-shaped base and a short pointed tip, often pinnately lobed; young leaves are small, and mature leaves are 20-60 cm long and 20-50 cm wide; the higher the stem and leaves grow, the larger they become, while those hanging downward become smaller; the upper leaf surface is glossy, with pale yellow spots and stripes, and it does not flower.
Cultivation Value
It can purify the air, removing formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and nicotine.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid climate, semi-shaded light and fertile, loose soil; it is sensitive to light and fears direct strong light, but if the light is weak, the variegated stripes will fade and even gradually disappear.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil should be kept constantly moist, and it is best to drip-irrigate slowly from the top of the pole; in summer, guard against drought, keep water ample, and often spray the leaf surfaces; in winter, prevent waterlogging, and the potting soil should not stay wet for long; regularly rotate the placement direction so that the green leaves receive light evenly and the plant keeps a well-proportioned, full shape.
36: Chinese Fagraea
Aliases: African Jasmine, Hua Hui Li
Family and Genus: Rosaceae, Fagraea
Morphological Characteristics
Evergreen tree or shrub, sometimes climbing; leaves opposite, slightly fleshy, elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 5-10 cm long, lateral veins inconspicuous; flowers solitary or in dichasial cymes; corolla white, fragrant; berry nearly spherical, pale green.
Cultivation Value
The flowering period is very long, blooming in both winter and summer, with the most splendid bloom in spring and summer; at dawn or dusk, a faint, subtle fragrance, now present and now absent, delights the heart.
Growth Habits
It likes sunlight, tolerates shade, and has strong cold resistance; in the southern subtropical regions it stays green and verdant all year round; it has no strict requirements for soil and is highly adaptable.
Cultivation Techniques
In spring and autumn, water just enough to keep the potting soil moist; in the plum rain season, guard carefully against water accumulation; in summer, spray water once in the morning and once in the afternoon to increase humidity and lower temperature; in winter, keep the potting soil slightly moist, and spray an appropriate amount of water on the leaf surfaces around midday when the temperature is relatively high; it requires fairly ample scattered light, or a position near a window, and should not be too dark, otherwise the leaves lose their green color and turn yellow or drop.
37: Golden-edge Lucky Bamboo
Alias: Variegated Dracaena
Family and Genus: Agavaceae, Dracaena
Morphological Characteristics
Perennial evergreen herb, plant height can reach more than 1.5-2.5 m, with thick stems and leaves; its varieties include green-leaf, green leaf with white edge (called silver edge), green leaf with yellow edge (called golden edge), and green leaf with silver center (called silver center).
Cultivation Value
Suitable for home greening decoration, placed on windowsills, balconies and desks, and can also be dotted in rows in halls.
Growth Habits
It prefers a high-temperature, humid environment with plenty of sunlight, is not cold-tolerant, tolerates pruning, dislikes direct strong light in summer, and loose sandy loam is best for the soil.
Cultivation Techniques
During the growing season, keep the potting soil moist, spray water to increase air humidity, fertilize once every half month, repot in April-May each year, and prune the whole plant to encourage new shoots; growth is vigorous in summer, so shade appropriately and water frequently, and do not let the potting soil dry out.
38: Golden-center Yemen Iron
Aliases: Golden-center Brazilian Iron, Brazilian Dragon Tree
Family and Genus: Liliaceae, Dracaena
Morphological Characteristics
Potted height 50 cm-150 cm, with branches; leaves clustered at the top of the stem, 40 cm-90 cm long and 6 cm-10 cm wide, curved in an arch, bright green and glossy; flowers small and inconspicuous, fragrant.
Cultivation Value
It can effectively absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde and benzene indoors.
Growth Habits
It likes a high-temperature, high-humidity environment with good ventilation; the suitable growth temperature is 20-30 degrees C; it prefers light and also tolerates shade, fears scorching sun, and dislikes dryness and drought.
It likes loose, well-drained sandy soil.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil for cultivation must have good drainage and aeration; at ordinary times, water only when the potting soil is 70% dry; during the growing season, also spray water frequently to raise the humidity of the surrounding environment; if a single plant is placed indoors for viewing, besides spraying, the pot can also be placed on a sand tray to create a humid microclimate; in the rainy season, prevent water from accumulating in the pot.
39: Aluminum Plant
Aliases: Transparent Grass, Variegated Nettle, Snow White Grass, Aluminum-leaf Grass
Family and Genus: Urticaceae, Pilea
Morphological Characteristics
Perennial herbaceous plant, 30-50 cm tall, with a fleshy above-ground stem and swollen internodes, single leaves opposite, elliptic-ovate, with a tapering tip, the upper half of the leaf margin with sparse teeth and the lower half entire, with white patches on both sides of the main vein on the leaf surface.
Cultivation Value
Displayed in a study or bedroom, it is elegant and pleasant; it also has medicinal value.
Growth Habits
It is fairly cold-tolerant, likes a warm, humid climate, fears exposure to strong sunlight, has no strict requirements for soil, can tolerate weak alkalinity, is fairly tolerant of moisture, and is not drought-tolerant.
Cultivation Techniques
For fertilizer and water management, follow the principle of moist management: keep the potting soil dry without cracking, and moist without being wet. In summer, frequently mist water on the leaf surfaces to keep them clean and glossy; in winter, spray less water on the leaf surfaces; it is fairly shade-tolerant, dislikes scorching sun, and likes scattered light.
40: Dragon Bone
Aliases: Triangular Spurge, Rainbow Cloud Pavilion, Dragon Bone Column
Family and Genus: Euphorbiaceae, Euphorbia
Morphological Characteristics
The dragon bone grows robustly, up to 2 m to 3 m tall; the plant is shrub-like, with many dense branches, tender and fleshy, and leaves 2 cm to 4 cm long; there is a short main trunk at the base, and branches grow in whorls around the main trunk, with 3-4 ridges, the ridge edges saw-toothed, with hard short spines, growing vertically upward.
Cultivation Value
Growth Habits
Drought-tolerant, sun-tolerant, not cold-tolerant, and not demanding about soil; it grows well in ordinary potting soil.
Cultivation Techniques
Water moderately; if the potting soil stays too wet for a long time, root rot will occur. During the winter dormant period, watering once every 1-2 months will not let it dry out and die. It should be placed in a spot with plenty of sunlight so it gets plenty of light, and the pot should be turned at regular intervals.
41: Yucca
Alternative names: Soft-leaf yucca, fuzzy-edged yucca
Family and genus: Agavaceae, Yucca
Morphological characteristics
Evergreen shrub, short stem, leaves clustered at the base, arranged in a spiral, blades firm and thick, 50-80 cm long, 4-7 cm wide, with a hard sharp spine at the tip, wrinkled surface, dark green with a small amount of white powder, stiffly extending at an angle, leaf margins smooth, old leaves with a few thread-like fibers.
Cultivation value
Yucca has strong resistance to and absorption capacity for harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, chlorine, and ammonia; yucca also has a relatively strong ability to absorb hydrogen fluoride. In addition, yucca has a certain resistance to ammonia, ethylene, and others.
Growth habits
Tropical plant, robust, easy to survive, likes a sunny and well-ventilated environment, and is extremely cold-tolerant. Yucca has a well-developed root system and strong vitality; its leaves have a relatively thick cuticle and waxy coating that can reduce evaporation, so its drought resistance is especially strong.
Cultivation Techniques
The best growing medium is loose, fertile sandy loam, and drainage must be good; full sun or partial sun is acceptable. During the growth period from late spring to summer, fertilize once every 1-2 months; for mature plants, prune off the lower aged leaves at any time, which can promote height growth and the sprouting of new leaves; the growing medium must not remain wet for long periods.
42: Cactus
Alternative names: Xianbazhang, overlord tree, flame, fire palm, jade hibiscus
Family and genus: Cactaceae, Opuntia
Morphological characteristics
Perennial evergreen herb, shrub-like, 2-3 m tall, stem cylindrical, stem segments long elliptical, flat, fleshy, mostly branched at the top; areoles scattered, spines short, yellowish brown; flowers 2-3 borne on areoles at the tips of stem segments, perianth short funnel-shaped, yellow. Flowering period June-July, berries dark red.
Cultivation value
Ornamental plant, edible, medicinal
Growth habits
Likes a sunny, warm, and ventilated environment, slightly cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, and dislikes waterlogging. It is not strict about soil and has strong adaptability.
Cultivation Techniques
The potting soil should be made by mixing equal parts coarse sand, garden soil, and leaf mold; after it survives, give it direct sunlight, water only when the potting soil is dry, and apply fertilizer once every 2 months; in summer it can withstand direct scorching sun, and the overwintering temperature should be above 0°C.
43: Ball Cactus
Alternative names: Grass ball, Changsheng ball
Family and genus: Cactaceae, Echinopsis
Morphological characteristics
Perennial succulent herb; stem spherical or elliptical, up to 25 cm tall, green, the ball body has several longitudinal ribs, densely covered with spines on the ribs, yellow-green, of varying lengths, radiating; flowers borne among the spine clusters on the longitudinal ribs, silvery white or pink, long trumpet-shaped, up to 20 cm long, with scales on the outside of the trumpet, and long hairs in the scale axils.
Cultivation value
Radiation resistance, air purification, edible, medicinal
Growth habits
Likes dryness, drought-tolerant, likes high temperatures, not moisture-tolerant, not cold-tolerant.
Cultivation Techniques
Requires plenty of sunlight, but in summer it must not be exposed to strong direct sun; the best time to water in summer is early morning, in winter it should be done before noon on clear days, and in spring and autumn either morning or evening is fine; generally do not pour water from the top; summer is the growth period for ball cacti, when temperatures are high and water demand is great, so they must be watered thoroughly; during the winter dormant period, watering should be restricted, and it is best to keep the potting soil from becoming excessively dry.
44: Yemen Iron
Alternative names
Family and genus: Liliaceae, Dracaena
Morphological characteristics
Cultivation value: ornamental value
Growth habits: likes a warm, humid, and well-ventilated environment; likes semi-shade and also tolerates shade
Cultivation Techniques
Use well-drained leaf mold for the soil, slightly acidic is best; in winter place it on a windowsill in direct sunlight, and in other seasons place it in a spot with indoor scattered light; fertilizer should mainly be nitrogen fertilizer, and be careful to combine fertilizing with watering to prevent root burn; during the growth period, water once a week, watering when dry and letting it dry between waterings; in summer during high temperatures, spray water on the leaf surfaces once in the morning and once in the evening.
45: Broadleaf Lady Palm
Alternative names: Guanyin bamboo, tendon-head bamboo, palm bamboo, dwarf broadleaf lady palm
Family and genus: Palmae, Rhapis
Morphological characteristics
Clumping shrub, stems upright, 1-3 m tall; stems slender like fingers, unbranched, with leaf nodes; leaves clustered at the top of the stem, palmate, deeply divided almost to the base, with 3-12 segments, 20-25 cm long and 1-2 cm wide; petioles slender, about 8-20 cm; spadix axillary, flowers small, pale yellow, very numerous, unisexual, dioecious.
Cultivation value: ornamental value, can be used medicinally
Growth habits: likes a warm, humid, well-ventilated semi-shady environment, does not tolerate waterlogging, and is extremely shade-tolerant. Afraid of blazing sun, slightly cold-tolerant.
Cultivation Techniques
For pot cultivation, a mixture of equal parts leaf mold, garden soil, and river sand can be used as the substrate; the potting soil should preferably be moist, better wet than dry, but must not be waterlogged; appropriately reduce watering in autumn and winter; during the growing season, provide shade, especially avoiding blazing sun exposure in summer; requires a well-ventilated environment.
46: Asparagus Fern
Alternative names: Cloud-pine, spiny asparagus, cloud bamboo
Family and genus: Liliaceae, Asparagus
Morphological characteristics
The roots of asparagus fern are slightly fleshy, the stems are soft and clumping, and the elongated stems are climbing; the true leaves are reduced to scale-like forms, pale brown, borne at the base of the leaf-like branches; the leaf-like branches are slender and clustered, spreading horizontally in a triangular feather-like shape; each leaf-like branch has 6-13 branchlets, and the branchlets are 3-6 mm long, green. The scales on the main stem are mostly spine-like, just like pine needles, delicate and beautiful.
Cultivation value: a famous indoor foliage flower, can be used medicinally
Growth habits: likes a warm, humid, and semi-shady environment, not tolerant of severe cold, not drought-tolerant, and avoids direct sunlight.
Cultivation Techniques
In winter, spring, and autumn, watering should be appropriately controlled; generally water again when the surface of the potting soil becomes dry, or alternately use light and heavy watering, that is, after 3-5 light waterings, give 1 thorough watering, so that the potting soil remains moist top and bottom without holding too much water; in summer, water in both morning and evening; the potting soil should be watered only when it becomes dry; during the growth period, water thoroughly, but do not overwater, otherwise root rot easily occurs; the standard should be that the water quickly seeps into the soil without pooling on the surface; after late autumn, watering should be reduced.
47: Cape Jasmine
Alternative names
Mudan, xianzhi, zhizi, yuetao, zhizihua, shanzhihua, huangyizi, gardenia, huangzhizi, shanhuangzhi, yuhe
flower, white toad flower, Zen guest flower
Family and genus: Rubiaceae, Gardenia
Morphological characteristics
Evergreen shrub or small tree, 100-200 cm tall, most plants relatively low; trunk gray, branchlets green, leaves opposite or whorled on the main branches, obovate-lanceolate, 5-14 cm long, somewhat glossy, entire, flowers solitary at the branch tips or in leaf axils, white, strongly fragrant; corolla salverform, 6-lobed, fleshy.
Cultivation value: Gardenia has resistance to sulfur dioxide and can absorb sulfur to purify the atmosphere. It can be used medicinally and is edible.
Growth habits: likes warmth, humidity, and good sunlight, likes high air temperature and good ventilation, not cold-tolerant, tolerates semi-shade, and fears waterlogging.
Cultivation Techniques
During the seedling stage, pay attention to watering, keep the potting soil moist, and frequently apply diluted decomposed fertilizer; for potted gardenias, after flowering in August, water only with clear water and control the amount of watering; before Cold Dew in October, move them indoors and place them in a sunny spot; in winter, strictly control watering, but you can often spray the leaf surfaces with clear water; each year from May to July, when the vigorous growth period is about to end, prune the plants by removing the terminal shoots to promote branching.
48: Cordyline
Alternative names: Red iron (red), green iron (green)
Family and genus: Agavaceae, Cordyline
Morphological characteristics
Shrub-like, upright, 1-3 m tall. Stem 1-3 cm thick, sometimes slightly branched. Leaves clustered at the upper ends of the stem or branches, oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 25-50 cm long, 5-10 cm wide, green or with purplish red, petioles grooved, 10-30 cm long.
Cultivation value: ornamental value, can be used medicinally
Growth habits
Green iron likes light and semi-shade environments, is suitable for a warm and humid climate, is not cold-tolerant, and avoids saline-alkaline soil. For planting, fertile, moist, well-drained sandy loam is best.
Cultivation Techniques
During the growth period, the potting soil must remain moist; lack of water easily causes leaf drop, but too much water or water accumulation in the pot can likewise cause leaf drop or yellowing of leaf tips; during the stem and leaf growth period, spray water frequently, and an air humidity of 50%-60% is more suitable.
49: White Butterfly
Alternative names: Green elf, white-spotted leaf, arrowhead vine, arrowleaf elephant ear
Family and genus: Araceae, Syngonium
Morphological characteristics: herbaceous foliage plant, leaves have long petioles, new leaves are arrow-shaped, old leaves are three-lobed or five-lobed palmate compound leaves, green with white spots, stems relatively short, leaves often clustered, sometimes stems elongate into vines. Nodes often have aerial roots.
Cultivation value: indoor foliage plant
Growth habits
Robust by nature, likes moisture, and has relatively strong shade tolerance. Likes high temperature, high humidity, and a semi-shady environment, fears blazing sun, fears drought, and avoids low temperatures; not cold-tolerant, fears blazing sun, and fears drought.
Cultivation Techniques
During the growing season, apply topdressing once every 1-2 weeks. Likes a warm, humid, and semi-shady environment. The overwintering temperature should be above 13°C. Suitable for indoor medium-light to outdoor partial-sun environments. Likes warmth and humidity. This plant has relatively high water requirements; for hydroponics throughout the year, maintain the water level in the bottle on the principle of better high than low, and frequently spray water to keep the surrounding environment humid.
50: Silver-edged Dracaena
Alternative name: Fragrant dracaena
Family and genus: Liliaceae, Dracaena
Morphological characteristics: potted plants are usually below 1.5 m, sometimes branched. Leaves clustered at the top of the stem, curved into a bow shape, leaf margins wavy and undulating, tips slightly blunt, bright green, glossy.
Cultivation value: a new generation of indoor ornamental plants, can remove harmful substances from the air.
Growth habits: likes growing in a high-temperature, humid, semi-shady environment.
Cultivation Techniques
Water less; during the growth period, at most once a week. If the winter dormant period can maintain low temperatures, water about once every 10-15 days. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, so the flowerpot should be 1-2 m away from south-facing or southwest-facing windows. Apply liquid fertilizer for foliage plants once every 15 days. Spray water on the leaves (leaf surfaces and especially the leaf backs) every day. At the same time, the flowerpot can be placed on a moist gravel layer to remedy overly dry indoor air.

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