How to care for a Dracaena fragrans variegated
The variegated Dracaena fragrans is a highly ornamental mutation among succulents, with its unique crown-like growth form highly sought after by gardening enthusiasts. To bring out the best in this plant, one needs to master five core techniques: temperature control, lighting management, and more.
One, Basic Care for Variegated Dracaena fragrans
1. Sunlight Control Plan
Ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, keep it outdoors during spring and autumn, and use a shading net from 11 am to 3 pm in summer. Use plant grow lights in winter to maintain a compact form, as insufficient light can lead to a loose variegation structure.
2. Temperature Cycle System
Maintain a 10°C temperature difference between day and night (25-28°C during the day and 15-18°C at night) to stimulate the development of variegation features. Keep the temperature above 10°C in winter using a Styrofoam box and heating pad combination for insulation.
Two, Advanced Management for Variegated Dracaena fragrans
3. Substrate Formula Optimization
Use a ratio of 3:3:4 for red jade soil, deer fertilizer soil, and volcanic rock, mixed with 5% bone meal to enhance calcium content. Replace the substrate every spring to prevent salt accumulation that can cause variegation deformities.
4. Intelligent Watering Strategy
Use the immersion method for watering, soak for 1 minute every 15 days in summer, and stop watering in winter. Monitor with a temperature and humidity gauge, and water when the substrate moisture content is below 15%.
Three, Shaping Control for Variegated Dracaena fragrans
Rotate the pot to ensure even light exposure, apply seaweed extract once a month to promote crown development. Remove common growth points with tweezers promptly to maintain variegation features.
Take regular growth record photos to compare monthly morphological changes. Adjusting the angle of the plant growth light can create special variegation shapes such as spiral and wave forms.