Dracaena

The genus Dracaena (Dracaena) of the Agave family (Agavaceae) unites about 150 species originating from the tropics of Asia and Africa. Common houseplants include species with lignified stems topped with tufts of leaves; other species have leaves growing all over the stem. Rhizomes and roots on the break are orange. In places of natural growth, they reach 6 m in height. Dracaena deremensis is an ornamental species with short dense dark green leaves. Some of the most common varieties are: 'Compact' (very often used in compositions), 'Varneka', 'Green-rimmed', 'White-rimmed' and 'Yellow-rimmed'. Dracaena scented (D. fragrans) got its name due to its fragrant flowers, it is also called the "plant of happiness". A large ornamental tree with linear green or variously colored leaves, for example, in 'Massangian' and 'Linden' they are variegated. The fringed dracaena (D. marginata) has straight and thin variegated leaves; this species includes the varieties 'Two-color', 'Three-color' and 'Colorama'. Dracaena Sander (D. sanderiana) is a compact species widely used in compositions; numerous green leaves are covered with ornaments of white and ivory color. Oval leaves of D. godseffiana dracaena are collected whorl-like, in groups of 2-3, colored dark green and covered with numerous cream spots. Some species belong to the genus Dracaena, then to the genus Cordyline, for example, cordyline undivided (D. indivisa) and cordyline apical (D. terminalis) - in fact dracaena.

The genus Dracaena (Dracaena) of the Agave family (Agavaceae) unites about 150 species originating from the tropics of Asia and Africa. Common houseplants include species with lignified stems topped with tufts of leaves; other species have leaves growing all over the stem. Rhizomes and roots on the break are orange. In places of natural growth, they reach 6 m in height.

Dracaena deremensis is an ornamental species with short dense dark green leaves. Some of the most common varieties are: 'Compact' (very often used in compositions), 'Varneka', 'Green-rimmed', 'White-rimmed' and 'Yellow-rimmed'.

Dracaena scented (D. fragrans) got its name due to its fragrant flowers, it is also called the "plant of happiness". A large ornamental tree with linear green or variously colored leaves, for example, in 'Massangian' and 'Linden' they are variegated.

The fringed dracaena (D. marginata) has straight and thin variegated leaves; this species includes the varieties 'Two-color', 'Three-color' and 'Colorama'.

Dracaena Sander (D. sanderiana) is a compact species widely used in compositions; numerous green leaves are covered with ornaments of white and ivory color.

Oval leaves of D. godseffiana dracaena are collected whorl-like, in groups of 2-3, colored dark green and covered with numerous cream spots.

Some species belong to the genus Dracaena, then to the genus Cordyline, for example, cordyline undivided (D. indivisa) and cordyline apical (D. terminalis) - in fact dracaena.

Cultivation

Dracaena species are easy to grow at home, the only thing is that they should be kept in a very well-lit room. In mild climates, they grow successfully even outdoors, both in a pot and in the open ground. In summer, it is recommended to add liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water from time to time. For potting, you can use any well-drained soil. When the plant is exposed at the bottom, the crown and trunk can be used for propagation by cuttings or a smaller plant can be planted in the same pot.

Location

A very well-lit place is ideal - this increases the gloss of the leaves, but direct sunlight, on the contrary, damages them.

Temperature

Plants prefer a fairly warm environment (18-22 °C), but if the humidity is not very high, they also tolerate a lower (up to 5 °C) temperature. In summer, do not allow the temperature to rise above 27 °C.

Watering

In summer, they are watered abundantly, 1-2 times a week, making sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. In winter, if the temperature in the apartment is not too high, only one watering per week is enough to keep the soil only slightly moist. Dracaenas like high humidity, so it is recommended to spray water on the leaves 2 times a week.

Transplant

The plant should be transplanted into a new pot when the roots completely fill the old one (this is usually done every 2-3 years). The operation is performed in March, using a container that is slightly larger than the previous one. The soil can be used both earthen and peat, but it is important to ensure good drainage.

Care

The leaves can be wiped with a damp cloth. Sometimes a lustrating solution is used, but infrequently.

Reproduction

Depending on the species, stem shoots or apical cuttings can be used for reproduction. They are rooted in early spring. The apical stalk in this case is a cut bundle of leaves, from which the lowest ones are removed. When rooting, phytohormones are used-growth stimulants. Soil - a mixture of sand and peat, taken in equal parts. In varieties "with a stem" with a sharpened knife, the stems are cut into parts, each of which must have at least one shoot. In this case, you can even use the tops. Cuttings of both types are kept at a temperature of about 24 °C and high humidity.

Diseases

These plants do not cause much concern if there is no lack or excess of light and heat. Unpleasant symptoms are quite small, such as drying (although partial) and falling leaves, spots on leaves and rot. Sometimes these signs indicate fungal diseases. Brown worms form rounded scales on the leaves and stems; these pests are eliminated with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, as well as treatment with appropriate insecticides.

These plants do not cause much concern if there is no lack or excess of light and heat. Unpleasant symptoms are quite small, such as drying (although partial) and falling leaves, spots on leaves and rot. Sometimes these signs indicate fungal diseases.

Brown worms form rounded scales on the leaves and stems; these pests are eliminated with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol, as well as treatment with appropriate insecticides.

Acquisition

It is recommended to choose plants with healthy glossy foliage and no spots. You should also check the trunk (stem).