What to do after the Brazilian iron tree blooms
This article summarizes the knowledge of how to deal with the Brazilian iron tree after it blooms and the precautions for keeping it as a houseplant, which is sure to help you. Let's learn about it together!
Brazilian iron, also known as Dracaena fragrans, is a perennial evergreen tree of the Asparagus family, Dracaena genus. In its native Africa, the Brazilian iron can grow to over 6 meters tall, while the potted plants we usually see are shrub-like. The trunk of the Brazilian iron tree is straight and robust, with long, sword-like leaves, and there are varieties with golden hearts and golden edges. It is a large indoor foliage plant that is very suitable for placement in living rooms, studies, etc.
The Brazilian iron prefers fertile, loose, and well-draining sandy soil. You can use a mixture of decomposed leaf soil or peat soil + garden soil + perlite or river sand, in a ratio of 2:1:1. Some ceramsite and decomposed organic fertilizer can be added to the bottom of the pot when planting.
The Brazilian iron enjoys a warm climate and is not cold-tolerant. The optimal growth temperature is 20-28°C, and the wintering temperature should be above 5°C, as prolonged temperatures below 5°C can easily cause frostbite.
The Brazilian iron does not require much light and can grow in bright diffused light. Therefore, it is very suitable for indoor potted planting, but too much shade can cause the leaves to fade. Strong sunlight in summer can also cause the leaves to turn yellow and the leaf tips to dry out, so appropriate shading is needed in summer.
The Brazilian iron prefers humidity but can also tolerate drought. Watering should follow the principle of "drying between waterings," not watering until it's dry, and watering thoroughly but not积水. During the hot summer, water should also be sprayed on the leaves to increase humidity.
During the growing season, apply a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as nitrogen fertilizer can cause the plant to grow excessively and the leaves to fade. In autumn, additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can be applied to improve the plant's cold resistance.
Common diseases of the Brazilian iron include leaf spot and anthracnose, while the pests include scale insects and red spiders. Proper ventilation and air circulation during maintenance can reduce the occurrence of diseases and pests.
Brazilian iron, also known as Dracaena fragrans, is often confused with another plant called Dracaena. How do you distinguish between the two? First, from the plant structure, Dracaena fragrans has a thick and straight trunk with poor branching, while Dracaena has a thinner trunk with better branching. Secondly, from the leaves, Dracaena fragrans leaves are long elliptical with golden hearts or edges, while Dracaena leaves are long and linear with a green color.
The content provided above about what to do after the Brazilian iron tree blooms and the precautions for keeping it as a houseplant is complete. I hope it helps you, and I also hope everyone comes to see more green plant and flower experience and common sense!