Dracaena Fragans


Dracaena Fragans

DRACAENA FRAGANS

A couple of years ago I bought a small Dracaena Bragans that since then decorates my living room. It is in the center of the small table and has always been generous with me although in recent times I have discovered that its leaves began to dry and I did not detect well what the problem may be until now.

When I bought it they recommended me not to water it too much and that I did but still I observe how it deteriorates more and more. The worst thing is that it is not the first time that happens to me. A few years ago-five, maybe six, we bouth another Dracaena Fragans, on that occasion much larger and more showy. We place it in a corner of the house, neither too dark nor under the effects of the direct sun. He lived happily for two or three years until one day the same thing happened: leaves that are starting to dry and the date of the next death.

So then, I wonder: how do you have to take care of a Dracaena Fragans so that it is always in good condition?

Characteristics of The Dracaena Fragans

For those who have never seen one, the Dracaena Fragans (known also as Palo de Agua or Tronco do Brasil) is a plant of tropical origin that is common to see indoors but can also be located outdoors. It is a perennial plant whose leaves are long and hanging with the novelty of a small yellow stripe in the middle. Another aspect of what stands out is its thick trunk, brown and co rings.

Although it is not very frequent, in some cases the Dracaena Fragans, blooms. It is not common but it happens and then a flower with an attractive aroma appears. Of course to see them you have to have an adult and large plant because only those that follow these characteristics flourish. In addition, Dracaena Fragans gives flowers only twice in his life.

Care of the Dracaena Fragans and advice

One of the central aspects for the Dracaena Fragans to develop in optimal conditions is not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it burns . The ideal is to place it in a place where it receives natural light but not directly avoiding very dark places because then the leaves turn brown.

On the other hand, you should know that the ideal temperature is between 20º to 25º C. In very cold environments, the plant stops growing while the leaves fall. In addition, the ideal is a humid environment because remember that it is a tropical plant.

to develop in optimal conditions is not to expose it to direct sunlight, as it burns . The ideal is to place it in a place where it receives natural light but not directly avoiding very dark places because then the leaves turn brown.

On the other hand, you should know that the ideal temperature is between 20º to 25º C. In very cold environments, the plant stops growing while the leaves fall. In addition, the ideal is a humid environment because remember that it is a tropical plant.

The Dracaena Fragans does not need much irrigation, the soil must remain moist. It will be based on watering it two or three times a week. If you discover that the leaves turn brown and begin to fall, it is likely to lack water. Another alternative is to spray the leaves with a sprinkler when they begin to dry. If, on the contrary, the irrigation is excessive the leaves will look too bright.

The Dracaena Fragans can be reproduced by cuttings or through trunks already pruned from which roots are born. The best seasons to do it are spring and autumn. In addition, it is recommended to transplant it every two years and add peat to the ground. On the other hand, in the summer it will be best to add a little liquid fertilizer.

I think the problem in this case of the picture below is that the pot is something small. Maybe it’s time to change the pot so that the plant finds a more favorable habitat and also manages to retain the water it needs to live in good conditions.

Pests And Diseases In The Dracaena Fragans

Although the Dracaena Fragans is a quite resistant plant, if we neglect the irrigation and / or the fertilizer can be a victim of the attack of pests and have diseases like these:

  • Red spider : it is a mite of about 0,5 millimeters of red color that feed on the cells of the leaves. Like spiders, they produce fabrics by which they move from one leaf to another. Symptoms are discolored or yellow spots, in addition to the cobweb. 
    It is eliminated with Chlorpyrifos.
  • Pillbugs : are insects that can be scamites such as limpets or cotton that are deposited on the leaves and green stems, causing loss of color and deformation. 
    They can be easily removed with a brush moistened with soap and water.
  • Aphid : Parasites of about 0.5 cm that feed mainly on the newer leaves and flower buds. They cause loss of color of the affected area and, in severe cases, favor the appearance of the black fungus or sooty mold. This, although it can not cause the death of the plant, weakens it a lot. 
    It can be controlled by putting yellow colored chromatic traps near the Dracaena Fragans
  • Septoria : is a fungus that produces grayish brown spots on the leaves. It is treated with systemic fungicide
DRACAENA FRAGANS WITH SOME BURNED LEAVES

Also, you may have these other problems:

  • Appearance of brown spots : it has probably been cold. It must be protected from temperatures of less than 12ºC.
  • Falling leaves : if they have yellow edges and brown tips, it is because they need water; On the other hand, if the lower ones fall and are apparently healthy, it is because they have been exposed to sudden changes in temperature (from the nursery to the home, for example). It is not a serious problem: it will acclimate itself.
  • Leaves with dry tips : can be for several reasons: low humidity, excessive heat or lack of water. You should water something else and avoid exposing it to air currents.
  • Yellow and limp leaves : excess watering. The substrate must be allowed to dry between irrigations. Generally, it will be watered about three times a week in summer and every 3-4 days the rest of the year.
  • The leaves are small and deformed : lack of fertilizer. It must be paid in spring and summer with a liquid fertilizer following the instructions specified on the package.
  • Rotting stems : excess irrigation. It can also be cold. It is recommended to cut for good, impregnate the base with rooting hormones and plant it in a pot with a very porous substrate, such as a pomice or black peat mixed with pearlite in equal parts.
  • Loss of leaf color : lack of light and / or fertilizer. You have to take it to a brighter room and pay it regularly.
  • Brown burns on the leaves : it has been exposed to the sun directly. You have to take it away from the sun and the windows.

Don Burke

I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide.  I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

link to Pin Oak Tree

Pin Oak Tree

Pin Oak Tree (Quercus palustris) The pin oak tree (Quercus palustris) is a plant from the genus of oak trees in the family of the beech plants (Fagaceae). In temperate latitudes, it...