Introduction to Evergreen Shrub Varieties of the Agavaceae Family

The oil-spot plant (Dracaena surculosa) grows 1-2 m tall, with slender stems that elongate and become pendulous. Leaves are opposite or whorled, sessile, long-elliptic or lanceolate, characterized by oil-stain-like mottling on the leaf surface. It tolerates shade, drought and moisture, and is suitable for garden accents or potted culture. Its branches and leaves are also beautiful cut-flower material. The whorled-leaf bamboo dracaena (Dracaena deremensis) grows 1-2 m tall, with cylindrical stems and conspicuous nodes; leaves are whorled, sessile, ovate or elliptic. It tolerates shade and drought, and is suitable for group planting in gardens or for potted culture; its branches and leaves are premium cut-flower material.

Propagation: Cuttings or division can be used, with spring to autumn being the suitable period. Cut branches into segments of about 10-15 cm each, insert them into a sand bed, keep moist, and roots will form into young plants in about 2-3 weeks. Mature plants grow in clumps and can be divided by cutting off young shoots for planting.

Key cultivation points: Fertile loam or sandy loam is best, with good drainage required. Full sun or partial sun both allow growth, but leaf color is more attractive in shaded positions with about 60%-70% sunlight. Spring to summer each year is the peak growing period; apply topdressing once a month. Various organic fertilizers such as dried chicken manure, soybean cake and oil meal are all ideal. With nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, increasing the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer in proportion can make leaf color more attractive. Prune and trim once each spring; if the plant has already aged, severe pruning should be applied to encourage new growth of branches and leaves. For the whorled-leaf bamboo dracaena, to promote thickening of stems and branches for use as cut-flower material and better water uptake, fertilization should emphasize nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. It prefers high temperature and high humidity, with an optimum growing temperature of about 20-28°C. In winter, when cold waves strike and temperatures fall below 13°C, attention should be paid to cold damage, and excessive dryness of the air or strong winds should be prevented to avoid dry, withered leaf tips. Potted plants should be moved to a warm, wind-sheltered place for overwintering.