With free-flowing rosette-tipped branches and deep green, narrow leathery leaves, a Dracaena reflexa, makes a statement wherever it is placed. This one is just in from getting a gentle showering outdoors with the garden hose to clean off the dust. That really does help their shiny leaves take in more light and breathe easier!
This Dracaena reflexa was grown from trimmings of another plant. Cuttings are easy to root in water or potting soil. If using potting soil as its rooting medium, make sure the soil is firmly packed in the pot and gently push the stems down into the pot as far as possible. It's fine to remove some of the bottom leaves so that you have several inches of stem to insert into your pot. Be sure to soak the pot as soon as the top of the soil is dry and they should easily take root. After a few months, the soil can dry out a little more before watering.
The Dracaena reflexa is a native of India and Madagascar. An interesting historical note: it was considered to be a member of the Pleomele family for a long time, but then it was decided that botanically, it really is a dracaena.
Care Instructions--
- Strong indirect light or some morning sun is best. They will thrive in front of a north-facing or east window.
- A plant in a 6" (15cm) plant should be watered when the soil is dry about 1/2"below the soil surface. A plant is a 10"(25cm) pot can dry out about an 1" or so. It is better to err on the dry side, if you aren't sure.
- Water a 6" (15cm) plant with about a pint (almost 1/2 liter)of water and a dracaena in a 10" (25cm) pot should take up to 2 quarts (almost 2 liters) when necessary.
- Fertilize regularly for best growth.
~~~~~
*** To see more indoor plants on this blog, click here:
****To watch video clips on plant care be sure to check out the "The Indoor Garden TV show" on YouTube: The Indoor Garden TV
No comments:
Post a Comment