Dragon whiskers, also known as iron wire fern, is an indoor ornamental leaf plant with high ornamental value. Its unique thin and long leaves, like the elegant and flowing dragon whiskers, are excellent for home decoration. Keeping the leaves of dragon whiskers straight is not an easy task. This article will unveil how to maintain dragon whiskers to keep its leaves always straight and beautiful.
Sufficient lightingDragon whiskers prefer a semi-shaded environment, but long-term exposure to阴暗 areas can lead to the leaves growing excessively long and losing their natural straight posture. Dragon whiskers should be placed in a location with sufficient scattered light, such as near a window or a bright indoor area, ensuring 4-6 hours of scattered light exposure per day to help the leaves stay straight.
Suitable temperatureThe optimal growing temperature for dragon whiskers is between 18-25°C. Both high and low temperatures can affect their growth. During the hot summer, it is important to ventilate and cool down to prevent the leaves from curling; in the cold winter, dragon whiskers should be moved to a warm indoor area to avoid frostbite.
Reasonable wateringDragon whiskers enjoy a humid environment but dislike waterlogging. When watering, keep the soil slightly moist and avoid accumulation of water. Adjust the watering frequency based on the season and climate, generally watering 1-2 times per week. During the hot summer, the frequency can be slightly increased, while it should be reduced during the cold winter.
Proper fertilizingDragon whiskers require ample nutrients during their vigorous growth period. A compound or organic fertilizer can be applied once a month. When fertilizing, make sure the fertilizer does not come into contact with the leaves to avoid burning them. After fertilizing, rinse the leaves with clean water to keep them clean.
Pruning maintenanceTo maintain the graceful shape of dragon whiskers, regular pruning is required. During the vigorous growth period, it is appropriate to prune the overly long branches and withered leaves to promote lush growth. When pruning, make sure to keep the main branches and maintain the overall beauty of the plant.
Pest and disease controlDragon whiskers are susceptible to pests and diseases such as scale insects and red spiders. When pests or diseases are detected, timely measures should be taken. Insecticides can be sprayed, and ventilation should be enhanced to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases.
By maintaining these six aspects, the leaves of dragon whiskers can remain straight, adding a touch of freshness to your home. It is important to adjust the maintenance methods flexibly based on actual conditions. With your careful nurturing, dragon whiskers will surely thrive and become a beautiful landscape in your home.
References:
1. "Indoor Leaf Plant Maintenance Manual" by Zhang Xiaohong, published by China Agricultural Press, 2018.
2. "Home Flower Maintenance Guide" by Li Ming, published by China Forestry Press, 2017.