What's the best method of watering my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
Misting can be a good way to keep the leaves hydrated but not too soggy. Always make sure that there's good drainage to prevent root rot. The plant can be sensitive to fluoride, which is often common in the public water supply, and this species does not tolerate hard water, especially if it's in its growing stages. Use a watering can or a sprinkler with purified or distilled water. Make sure to evenly water the entire surface of the soil so the stems won't rot. Use distilled water from time to time to avoid the death of the plant, leaf burn, or stunted growth instead of tap water. Another option is to utilize rainwater whenever it's available. Keep the soil moist every time but prevent it from being too soggy if the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is planted in a pot. If it's outside planted in your garden, you need to have proper drainage and allow the soil to dry completely before you turn on the sprinkler or the garden hose, as this can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Some use hydrogen peroxide as a treatment in the water, but this is not recommended for regular use. The hydrogen peroxide will stimulate rainwater but only do this occasionally. A filtration system might also be valuable for removing nitrates, salt, and lead that might be contained in the water.
What should I do if I water Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' too much/too little?
Some signs that the plants are not getting enough water are the brown tips on the plant. These species are very sensitive to boron and fluoride that are usually found in tap water, and you might be able to see that they have too much of the minerals when the leaves begin to droop. When the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is underwatered, the stems also show wrinkles. The leaves can become brown, crispy, and start to dry out. When this happens, water as soon as possible. Another thing about overwatering is that if this happens, then root rot can begin to set in. You need to remove all the damaged roots from the soil, especially if they appear mushy, fragile, and black. To help with these issues, it's important to cut off a larger part of the root. Overwatering can also leave the leaves looking brown and ready to fall off. This can happen very early, so you should drain the excess water and wait for the soil to dry before watering to help the plant recover. Throw away the soil from the pot if there are signs of root rot. Clean everything thoroughly and make sure to put in the pebbles so it will help with proper drainage. Discard any excess water at the base of the pot if you notice tan rings or reddish-brown spots on the leaves.
How often should I water my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is a relatively tough species that is pretty tolerant to drought. This is why you need to water this only about every 1-2 weeks when you feel the soil is bone dry, especially if it is planted in a pot. Water generously until you see that the water begins to trickle down the pot's drainage holes. Make sure to remove the water from the saucer after an hour, and don't let it stand on the pot. When they are planted in your garden, you need to consider the rainfall the plant is receiving. The roots don't like to sit in the water, so make sure to have proper irrigation as part of the landscape. Water 1 time every 2 weeks, especially if you live in a tropical area with plenty of rain and monsoons.
How much water does my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need?
As a general rule of thumb, you should water Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' when you notice that about 2 inch of the top soil is already dry, especially when you grow it outdoors. When planted in the garden, you need to make sure that the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is getting its watering needs at least once every two weeks. There’s rainwater, seasonal changes, and moisture around the environment to consider so never overwater. This can also apply when the pot is approximately 2 inches dry when it is grown indoors. If they are inside the house or grown in the nursery, try watering more frequently at least once a week since they might not be able to get the rainwater or extra moisture that they need indoors. As long as you notice that the plant leaves are sagging, then don’t hesitate to give them a drink. The roots should be kept moist but not soggy. The best way to water them is to soak the pot and allow the water to drain. Make sure to water only when the soil is partially dry, and don't give them a specific schedule. They are not very thirsty plants, so wait a couple of days before giving them a drink. Well-draining soils can also help them grow and always put them in place with high humidity. Water them every 1 to 2 weeks during the summer when it’s very hot outside. During the growing season and in spring, use the same amount of water as well. They need a lot of water when they are growing so you might want to give them a drink regularly. If it’s winter or fall, know that you should only water every 2 to 4 weeks. This is when you notice that the soil is completely dried out.
How can I ensure that i'm watering my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' adequately?
Most of the time, schedules of bi-weekly or weekly watering should be more than enough for the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'. Wait until the soil is 2 to 4 inches dry, especially if you have adult plants, to avoid excess watering. Pour generously until you see that the water comes out of the drainage holes. No standing water should be allowed, and remove the excess from the saucers. Root rot can happen if there's too much water, so it's always better to give too little than too much for this species. The soak and dry method is more than enough for the plants whether they are indoors or outdoors. The soil around the plant should be completely soaked and make sure to record on an app or in your calendar each time you water. Allow the soil to dry to prevent root rot and help them develop a healthier root system. Water with a sprinkle or a can deep enough to reach the roots to prevent the plant from wilting.
Should I adjust the watering frequency for my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' according to different seasons or climates?
The soil bed or the pots should be moist during the spring or fall. However, prevent them from getting soggy. Reduce watering during winter or towards the end of the fall. Remember that soil that's too dry or too wet might result in plant issues. Allow the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' to dry out before watering, especially in the winter. When there's too much dryness in the soil, use distilled water and saturate them thoroughly. Avoid cold water as much as possible. Occasional misting during the summer or the winter, as well as fertilizer in the spring, can help.
Should I change the watering frequency during the different growing stages of my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
Water at least twice a week during its growing season, and you'll find that they can grow quicker. When they are in their early stages, the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is very sensitive to the minerals in tap water, so it's best to expose them to rainwater or filtered water. While they are young, exposure to unnecessary chemicals can result in stunted growth and discoloration. A balanced fertilizer and watering whenever the soil is dry can help during the growing season. In the growing season, the watering should be 1 to 2 times a week. When it's already established, you might want to water it once every 3 weeks. When you report a grown Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', you need to water the soil well to make it damp. You can also wipe the leaves with a wet cloth to keep the insects away and to help them have more humidity during summer.
Should I water my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' differently when I plant it indoors vs outdoors?
Depending on the location of the plants, it's best to water them frequently when they are indoors. Just make sure that they are far away from any heating appliances. The natural humidity of the room can be enough, but the plant might prefer the high humidity outdoors during the summer, especially if it resembles that of a rainforest's habitat. Water the plants once every two weeks and lightly mist them at least thrice every seven days to keep them healthy if they are planted in a pot. One way of checking it is by removing the pot and seeing if the roots are already dry. This is possible with plastic pots, but you can always check with a moisture meter if you can't remove the pot. When grown outdoors, you need to consider the plant's rainwater, especially in spring and summer. You might want to water this once every 1-2 weeks during the summer. Avoid watering this during the late fall and winter, and only provide them a drink when you see brown spots on the leaves. They only need occasional watering when planted in your garden, and you need to transplant them indoors so they can survive the cool conditions during the winter. Some use a lot of mulch during the fall, but when growing in a cold zone, you should consider digging it and transplanting it, watering it occasionally, and waiting for the frost to pass.
What should I be careful with when I water my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' in different seasons, climates, and during different growing periods?
The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' loves high humidity and thrive in it. However, winter is when the humidity is low, and the indoor ones are more susceptible to wilting. Lightly mist the leaves with sprays so you can maintain the healthy growth of the plant in the spring and summer. It would also help to place the plants on trays that are filled with water and pebbles to create humidity around the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' during winter but make sure to drain the saucer afterwards. A high-quality humidifier might also help during winter. Also, use cold water on the plants during winter as this can cause permanent damage and root shock. Allow the water to warm at room temperature before you put it on the plants. Using heating appliances can dehydrate indoor air, so you might want to add more mist. Place the pots near it and let them absorb the mist. Use bottled distilled water whenever possible since these are sensitive to fluoride. When you notice that the tips begin to turn yellow, this is where you might want to do the light misting several times a week. Another thing is when you're using tap water from the local supply, just let it sit overnight. This will reduce chlorine and other chemicals that might be mixed into the water. Distilled water is always the best alternative. During the summer, be careful with overwatering. The brown tips suggest that there's not enough moisture in the air, and you should add some when the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' shows an indication that it’s thirsty.
Why is watering my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' important?
Watering the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' will help them grow beautiful foliage. This species can bring beauty all year round, and you might want to ensure that the leaves remain green regardless of the season. Watering it according to its needs can prevent many problems often associated with too much soil moisture. You can prevent root rot, fungal diseases, and brown tips on the potted plants and those planted on the ground. It's best to use a watering can with tepid water when you notice that the soil is dry on the ground and in the pot. Use lukewarm water and look for signs of yellow foliage. The yellowing leaves are typically a sign that this species needs water. On the other hand, the brown tips indicate that you might be overwatering, so it's best to stop and give the soil time to dry regardless of whether they were planted outdoors or indoors.
Do I need to prune my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is a low-maintenance, winter-hardy, and drought-resistant evergreen perennial plant. This means it can thrive almost anywhere. This unique plant grows well indoors, as well as in many outdoor environments. To keep yours in good health, it’s recommended that you prune it only as needed to control growth and maintain shape. This popular shurb can take up quite a bit of room if left to grow freely. Given enough time, it can be pruned to grow into a small tree. Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is very resilient and learning how to prune them is easy.
When is the best time to prune my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
A lot of new gardeners shy away from pruning the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' because they’re afraid to cut too much. Luckily, Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is generally considered to be among the easier and more forgiving plants to prune since regrowth appears quite quickly. Although these perennials are relatively fast-growing, you only need to prune when you spot unsightly overgrowth or damaged leaves. In other words, if your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' starts to look uneven or damaged, it may be a good time to prune. If you want to control the size of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', you need to do a strong pruning in winter time, and you can prune to the shape you want. If the shape is appropriate and only small-scale shaping is needed (pruning no more than 1/4 of the total size of the plant), it can be done in summer or autumn. When Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is growing, if there are yellowing leaves and diseased leaves, prune off the yellowing leaves at the bottom and the parts of the leaves that have spots due to disease infection, which can effectively reduce the infection. If the number of leaves with spots is relatively large, the number of pruned leaves should not exceed a quarter of the total to avoid affecting the growth of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'.
What should I do after pruning my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
When pruning your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', always use freshly cleaned shears to prevent the possibility of cross-contamination from other plants. The Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' has a high tolerance for drought and cold weather, and can even survive irregular watering schedules for short periods. When grown indoors, it prefers temperatures between 65 and 75 °F and should be kept away from air conditioning drafts to prevent discoloration, leaf fall, and other damage.
How should I prune my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' during different seasons or stages of growth?
The good news is that these plants have a medium growth rate which means they cycle through growth stages fairly quickly. Once your plant matures, you can follow normal pruning methods. Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is mainly used for leaf viewing, flowers have no ornamental value and will consume nutrients, you can prune the flowers when the plant is in bloom and concentrate the nutrients for the growth of the leaves. If you want to control the size of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', you need to do a strong pruning in winter time, and you can prune to the shape you want. If the shape is appropriate and only small-scale shaping is needed (pruning no more than 1/4 of the total size of the plant), it can be done in summer or autumn. When Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is growing, if there are yellowing leaves and diseased leaves, prune off the yellowing leaves at the bottom and the parts of the leaves that have spots due to disease infection, which can effectively reduce the infection. If the number of leaves with spots is relatively large, the number of pruned leaves should not exceed a quarter of the total to avoid affecting the growth of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'.
What tools, techniques and tricks should I use when pruning my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'?
Before getting started, it’s best to have a plan. Try to visualize the basic shape and style of how you want your plant to look. Having a goal in mind will help you choose what pruning method and tools to use. Once you have an idea of how you want it to look, it’s time to get ready to prune. Tools Sharp scissors or a pair of hand pruners work great when pruning your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'. However, if you keep your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' outdoors or allow it to grow freely, you may need a tree pruner to reach higher leaves. How to prune When learning how to prune your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', factors like growth stage, climate, and the current season will give you clues about your plant's pruning needs. Additionally, how you want your plant to look is another thing to consider. If you want to control the size of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi', you need to do a strong pruning in winter time, and you can prune to the shape you want. For example, if you want your plant to be short and round, cutting from the top and pruning any leggy parts will be your best bet. If you want a tall, slender appearance, cut from the bottom and sides to limit the spread of growth to encourage vertical growth. If the shape is appropriate and only small-scale shaping is needed (pruning no more than 1/4 of the total size of the plant), it can be done in summer or autumn. To simplify the process, here are a few tips to remember: Leave the main stalk in place and trim around it. Trim off any dead or unhealthy-looking branches and remove or cut any “suckers” Use shears, scissors, or your fingers to cut or pinch just below the bud, branch, or stem.
What are common problems when pruning my Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' and how can I fix them?
One major concern when it comes to pruning the Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' is the possibility of mites, disease, and infection from the laceration left behind after pruning. This can be lessened by pruning at an angle and monitoring the site until healed. Additionally, taking special care to not overwater to prevent the soil from becoming too damp can minimize the risk of spider mites and aphids.
How many hours of sunlight does Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need per day?
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' needs a lot of indirect, filtered, or dappled light when grown indoors, so they should be kept in a sunny location all day. Of course, the number of daylight hours that occur naturally can vary depending on the season, but a good rule of thumb is a minimum of 6 hours, including up to 3-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Even many hours of indirect sun will not hurt Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi'; it is only direct sun that you need to be careful about.
What type of sunlight does Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need?
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' in the wild get a lot of sunlight throughout the whole day. The sunlight is dappled and mostly indirect since it is filtered through the leafy canopy of tall trees growing above. When grown indoors, Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' should be provided with bright indirect light in a sunny windowsill or via grow lights.
Does Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need to avoid sun exposure?
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' does not need to avoid sun exposure completely, but the type of sunlight should be appropriate. They should not be exposed to more than 6 hours of direct sun each day. Direct sun means that the sunlight is hitting the plant directly. Indirect light could be reflected off other objects near the plant, or could be direct sun that is filtered by something such as a sheer curtain. So Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' should be protected from excessive direct sun.
How should I protect Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' from sun and heat damage?
Sunlight can hurt Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' that are not adapted to growing in direct sun. There are several ways to protect Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' from bright sunlight. First, choose a location that gets indirect light for most of the day. If the location is too bright, move the plant farther into the room away from the window. Or, you can cover the window with a light curtain or blinds. Any of these methods protect your Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' from both sun scorching and excessive heat from the sun.
What happens to Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' if it gets too much sunlight?
Too much direct sunlight will scorch the plant’s leaves, especially the upper leaves which are hit with the majority of the sun’s rays. Scorched spots on the leaves look brown and dry. Entire leaves may also wilt and turn brown. Being grown in full sun can cause the soil to dry out too quickly. In extreme cases, too much sun could kill the plant.
What happens to Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' if it receives insufficient sunlight?
Without enough sunlight, Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' become etiolated (tall and stretched out) and lose color in their leaves. Over time, the plant is not able to generate enough energy through photosynthesis to support its continued survival, and will die if it is kept in a dark location.
Does Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need special attention to sunlight during different growth stages?
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' should get bright indirect light regardless of their growth stage. If anything, consistency in lighting conditions will get you the best results. Once you’ve found a location where your plants are happy, it is best not to move them. However, you should monitor the location and move plants if sunlight gets too intense during summer or becomes too dark in winter. The amount of light can affect other elements of plant care as well, particularly temperature and watering frequency. More sunlight and heat will cause water to evaporate from the soil faster, meaning you would need to water more often. Less sunlight also usually means less watering, and usually cooler temperatures. This can lead to disease or pests. Finally, be careful when moving Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' from a shady location to a sunny one, such as moving plants to spend the summer outside. Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' can easily get sunburned if they are moved suddenly from a location with little-to-no direct sun to a spot that gets a lot of bright light. Make this kind of move gradually, starting with just 1 to 2 hours in the new location per day and gradually increasing the time. This method allows the plant to adjust to the increased light levels without getting scorched.
How much light does Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia 'Kiwi' need for photosynthesis?
Even the smallest amount of sunlight triggers the process of photosynthesis in plants. However, the amount of energy produced through that process needs to be enough to support the plant’s current survival and continued growth. Without plenty of sunlight, the plant will essentially starve because it doesn’t have what it needs to create energy.