Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India'
There are several cultivars of dracaena reflexa that display different leaf variations, although the most popular is the yellow maple variegata type. They usually grow to about 2/3m tall indoors (which takes a few years) and have a bushy tree-like appearance.
Like other dracaenas, they are fairly easy to care for and grow and can withstand a certain amount of neglect, but not as much as other dracaena plants. 'Song of India' needs bright light and fairly high humidity levels to thrive. The two worst things you can do are over water (overwatering or the opposite) or allowing temperatures to drop too low.
As it seems:
The leaves are the main attraction of this species - although it flowers (we'll talk about that later). These leaves are glossy, arched, and grow to 1 foot long and a few inches wide. Some of them seem to grow out of control (especially outdoors) and start to look a little unsightly, which can be overcome by pruning to reduce growth.
Flowering:
As mentioned, this species can flower and bloom clusters of small, almost white flowers that are not very attractive or noticeable.
Toxin removal:
The 'Song of India' plant was used in theNASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) clean air study that proved to remove a considerable amount of toxins from the environment.
note:
Another similarity with other dracaenas is that the lower leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off, which is totally normal. They're just shedding leaves to make way for new ones, so don't worry, it's part of the plant's normal growth cycle.
Origin:
Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean.
Names:
Song of India, Pleomele (commons). Dracaena Reflexa (botanical/scientific).
Care for Dracaena reflexa 'Song of India'
Temperature:
The ideal temperatures are between 15°C and 27°C . Allowing temperatures to drop below 12°C can harm the plant. Avoid having the plant near cold drafts.
Light:
A well-lit location without direct sunlight is suggested. A small amount of morning or evening sun is not a problem.
Watering:
Keep the soil slightly moist at all times and in winter allow the soil to dry out. You should be able to leave a dracaena reflex for up to a month during the winter without water and no harm would be done. Excess water can kill them.
Ground:
A potting mix with good drainage is ideal.
Fertilizer:
Feed every four weeks from April to September using a fertilizer for green plants.
Pruning:
You will see that the lower leaves of this plant turn yellow after a normal amount of time. Remove the lower leaves when they begin to turn yellow. You may also want to clean the leaves with warm water using a soft sponge – to help it look more attractive.
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SKU: P1387
€39.60Price
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