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The trunk of Brazil o water stick, of scientific name Dracaena fragrans, is a shrub native to tropical climates, highly appreciated in gardening for its striking leaves up to 1 meter in length. It is a highly sought after plant to decorate interiors and exteriors in homes around the world, as it does not require very complicated care.
If you want to learn how to care for this plant at home, both in soil and in a pot, keep reading us in this Green Ecologist article in which we tell you all about the caring for the Brazilian trunk and its reproduction.
Brazilian trunk plant, water stick or Dracaena fragrans: characteristics
The Dracaena fragrans be part of the family Asparagaceae, and it is a very popular plant in interior decoration for its large vertical size. Its growth is slow, and it forms its large leaves in rosettes in which the new upper leaves replace the older ones, which are lost.
When planted in the ground it can reach up to 6 meters high, but in a pot, logically, its growth is very limited and it adapts to the space. The Brazil stem flower it only appears in fully adult plants, although the plant is poorly flowering. These flowers are white and highly fragrant, hence the scientific name of the species.
One of the most beneficial properties of this plant is that it has been shown to clean and purify the air of some harmful chemicals.
Trunk of Brazil: reproduction
The most used reproduction technique with the Brazil trunk or water stick Its the reproduction by cuttings. It consists of cutting a small young branch and planting it in such a way that it takes root and becomes a new complete plant. For this, it is vital to choose a young and green branch and cut it with previously disinfected tools.
You can dip the bottom of the cut branch in rooting protein, either store-bought or homemade, to improve its chances of rooting before planting. In addition, it will be necessary that the substrate has been enriched with compost and offers good drainage. In these first days, the plant will need humidity and a warm environment to be able to adapt to its new environment and develop.
In this other post we tell you more about How to make cuttings.
Trunk of Brazil: care
The Brazilian trunk is a very popular plant that is often recommended to beginners in gardening and horticulture due to its undemanding care. These are the basic care of the trunk of Brazil:
Light for the trunk of Brazil
This plant requires lots of natural light, so it will be appreciated to be located next to a window or at some point where it receives that contribution of light that it needs, although always avoiding the direct incidence of the sun. It is also preferable to place it in an area without drafts.
Watering the stick of water
As far as irrigation is concerned, the Brazilian trunk requires little irrigation, this being necessary only when the soil is very dry. This will generally occur up to twice a week in warm climates and seasons, and up to once every two weeks in colder seasons or climates. On the other hand, despite the fact that it is necessary to always avoid flooding its substrate, the plant does need abundant environmental humidity, so it is advisable to spray warm water on its leaves every two or three days.
Temperature
Since it is a plant of tropical climates, it suffers a lot from low temperatures. Its optimum temperature is between 22 and 26ºC, and below 14ºC it can be in danger.
Pruning
The pruning of the Brazilian trunk can be done for aesthetic reasons and to avoid that the plant occupies more space than desired. When pruning this plant, it is very important that the cut is made at a 25 degree incline, with a very sharp and disinfected tool. Once the cut is made, it is recommended to cover it with melted candle to prevent infections and pests. We recommend you learn more about it in this other post on How to prune a Brazilian trunk.
Transplant Dracaena fragrans
Lastly, the Brazilian trunk requires occasional transplants like most potted plants. In this case, as it is a slow-growing plant, a transplant every 2 or 3 years will suffice. Here we give you a guide on Transplanting a plant: when and how to do it.
My Brazilian trunk plant with yellow leaves, what do I do?
When this occurs, it tends to be because the environment is very dry for the plant, especially if only the tips of the leaves turn yellow or dry. Don't water it more than you already do if this is the only symptom. Instead, make sure to spray water at room temperature on its leaves every 48 hours. It is important that the water is not too cold, you can heat it a little before spraying it if your tap comes out too cold.
It is also possible, if the entire leaves are turning yellow, that you are watering your plant too much. Check that the pot has drainage holes and that these work properly.
If the leaves that turn yellow are only the lower ones, you do not need to worry: it is part of the natural cycle of the plant.
If you want to read more articles similar to Trunk of Brazil: care and reproduction, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
