How to Properly Care for a巴西木 (Dracaena fragrans)
You may not be aware of how to properly care for a巴西木 and the tips for maintaining it. If there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
巴西木 is known for its strong vitality and is also called fragrant dragon blood tree. It has bright green and glossy leaves, making it a great ornamental plant. Here are the cultivation methods and precautions for 巴西木, summarized into 4 key points for fresh and lush leaves. Let's learn together!
Cultivation Methods for 巴西木
1. Light: 巴西木 is highly adaptable to light, enjoys bright sunlight, and can also tolerate shade. The most suitable temperature is 20-30℃. In autumn, winter, and spring, it can be placed in a bright area with scattered light, receiving direct sunlight in the morning and evening. In summer, 50% of the sunlight should be blocked.
It should not be kept in a dark environment, as this would cause the leaves to become dull and lose their luster, reducing its ornamental value. As long as it can receive scattered light daily, it can grow very well.
2. Watering: 巴西木 is drought-tolerant but not flood-tolerant. Watering should not be excessive or too frequent, as overly moist soil can cause root rot. Keep the potting soil moist without积水. Water once a day in spring, summer, and autumn, preferably in the morning during spring and autumn, and early morning or evening in summer.
In times of vigorous growth, if the leaves show signs of slight wilting due to lack of water, watering should be done promptly, and the air humidity should be maintained at around 80% by frequently misting. In a hot and humid environment, it is conducive to the rapid growth of 巴西木.
3. Fertilizing: During the growing period from May to October each year, apply a small amount of organic fertilizer at the base or edge of the pot. Then, apply a balanced compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every half month, for 1-2 consecutive times, which can promote rapid and lush growth of branches and leaves. Fertilizing should be stopped in winter.
For 巴西木 varieties with gold or silver color spots, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied, and less nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and greening of the leaves.
4. Pruning: During the growing season in spring and autumn, prune the lower leaves and remove dead and withered branches to ensure an attractive shape and avoid unnecessary nutrient consumption.
Do not prune in summer, as high temperatures can harm the plant, and wounds heal slowly, easily becoming infected. In winter, growth is slow, and pruning can cause frostbite, preventing normal growth of branches and leaves.
5. Soil: 巴西木 does not have high requirements for soil. It is best to choose loose, breathable, well-draining soil rich in humus, such as a mixture of 6 parts coconut bran and 4 parts river sand. Replace the potting soil every 2-3 years to enhance root vitality.