Dracaena Massangeana: description of the plant, rules of care

Dracaena Massangeana is a plant from the Agave family. It grows in tropical regions of Africa and Asia.

In its natural habitat, this species is able to grow up to 5-6 m, when grown at home it reaches 1.5-2 m.

Dracaena Massangeana: description and characteristics

Dracaena Massangeana is an evergreen deciduous plant. It has a strong tree-like trunk in which fluid accumulates. Leaves grow up to 8-12 cm in length. In the middle of each is a yellow strip.

As they grow older, the leaves move to the top. In this case, the plant outwardly becomes similar to a palm tree. It rarely blooms at home. In nature, white or greenish inflorescences appear, attracting insects, hummingbirds.

Types of dracaena with photos and names

There are several varieties of dracaena:

1. Dracaena marginata or bordered. The species is characterized by narrow leaves with dark red edges and a green center.
2. Fragrant or scented. During flowering, forms large panicles with a sweet smell.
3. Compact. A short plant with a thick trunk. With aging, the lower part of the stem becomes bare, only scars from fallen leaves remain on it.
4. Deremskaya. A multi-stemmed shrub at the base, the diameter of the stems of which can reach 30 cm.
5. Sandera (dracaena of happiness). Outwardly bamboo-like variety. It grows up to 60-80 cm in height.
6. Surculosis. Slowly developing species with erect or lodging branched trunks. The aroma of white flowers intensifies at night.
7. Canary (dragon tree). A multi-stemmed tree with a lush crown. The leaves are covered with a bluish waxy coating.

Features of care after purchase

An unpretentious plant, with proper care, grows quickly, remains green all year round. Water Dracaena Massenjeana liberally immediately after purchase.

Priming

You can purchase a ready-made substrate for dracaena or mix garden soil, peat, soil, taken in a ratio of 3: 1: 1, on your own. Soil for palm trees should be slightly acidic, loose. A thick drainage layer will be required to keep the soil from waterlogging.

Transfer

In the first six months, it is not recommended to move the flower to a larger pot. Young plants are transplanted every 1 year. After 3-4 years, 1 transplant in 2 years is sufficient. It is better to choose spring time to change the pot. Be careful during the process to avoid damaging the root system. Choose a container 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one.

Caring for dracaena at home - the necessary microclimate

Choose the right temperature, humidity, lighting to ensure the rapid growth of the pet.

Lighting

It is better to place the pot with a light-loving plant on the sunny side. Avoid direct sunlight. The bright sun can cause burns, damage. Windows on the southwest and southeast sides are best suited.

Temperature

The room temperature should be moderate. Avoid sudden jumps, cold snaps below + 12 ° C in winter. In summer, a range of + 20 ° C... + 25 ° C is suitable. It is recommended, if possible, to place the pot with the plant on the balcony or in the garden during the warmer months. In winter, protect the flower from drafts. Do not place near the battery.

Air humidity

Rooms with high humidity are suitable. Spray the leaves every 2-3 days with a spray bottle. In summer, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Spray more often if the tips of the leaves become dry. If dry spots appear, immediately remove the plant to another place, avoid direct sunlight.

Watering rules

Water generously the first time. Then add a moderate amount of liquid to the pot on a regular basis. Take warm water. Watering is required 2-3 times a week. Do not flood the flower to avoid causing fatal stem decay.

Spraying

Spray gently to avoid damaging the delicate leaves. Choose soft water 2-3ºC warmer than indoor air.

Fertilizer for dracaena

Buy an all-purpose liquid fertilizer for palms, dracaena. Pour it in once every 14 days. In winter, feeding is required no more than 1 time per month. If the leaves begin to fall off, do not throw them away. Lightly sprinkle with earth, continue to water the soil as before. The dead plant parts will turn into organic fertilizer.

How to prune for branching

Perform the procedure between May and June. Cut back in fall or winter if the stem breaks. Choose the height taking into account the interior. Do not break off the top, cut it off with a sharp knife. Clean the cut from the juice that has come out, grease with garden varnish. It is necessary to close every season.

Trim each leaf, then spray the trunk with water to prevent moisture loss. Wrap with wet moss, fix.

Reproduction at home

At home, you can breed dracaena in different ways. Plants are rarely grown from seeds. For this method of reproduction, you will need to soak them for a day immediately after ripening using "Epin" or "Zircon". Then the seeds are stuck into a wet substrate, pushed 7-10 mm into the ground. Crops are covered with foil or glass, rearranged in a well-lit place. The first shoots will appear in a month. Sometimes the process is delayed for six months.

Cuttings

Apical or stem cuttings are used. Young shoots up to 7-10 cm long that did not have time to lignify are rooted in water. You can replace the liquid with a mixture of sand and peat, taken in equal proportions. First, you need to cut off the bark on the sides at the bottom.

To speed up rooting, stimulants or phytohormones are added. The process lasts from 2 weeks to 1 month.

Layers

The top of the false palm is used. A tablet of activated carbon is dissolved in a container with water, and then the top is placed. The roots grow back within 3 months.

Flowering and fruits

At home, it blooms, rarely bears fruit. In nature, it forms peduncles up to 1 m long. Flowers emit a sweet herbal smell that attracts pollinators.

Dracaena pests and diseases

The plant is rarely sick.

The appearance of pests is possible:

• scale insects;
• thrips;
• aphids;
• mealy worms;
• spider mites.

When insects appear, leaves begin to fall more often. To get rid of pests, insecticides are used. You can use folk remedies as an additional measure. Soak a cotton pad in an alcohol solution or garlic infusion, treat the affected areas.