Watering and maintenance methods of Brazilian wood

The Brazilian wood is an evergreen tree of the genus Dracaena. Because of its resistance to pruning and shade, it is often used as an indoor foliage plant. It can be grown in soil or in water. Let’s learn together how to water and maintain the rubber tree.

1. Pot soil selection

Choose a flowerpot of appropriate size and cover the bottom of the pot with a layer of broken bricks, expanded clay or walnut shells to facilitate drainage and ventilation. For soil, you can use a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% leaf mold. Plant the tree trunk roots in the soil and secure them. If you choose hydroponics, all you need is a flat-bottomed container that can hold water.

2. Water and fertilization

The rubber tree likes moisture, but water accumulation should be avoided when growing it in soil. Watering should follow the principle of "watering when the soil is dry and then watering thoroughly when the soil surface is dry. When growing hydroponically, just add a small amount of water to the container so that the bottom of the rubber tree is in contact with the water. Fertilization does not need to be too frequent. A small amount of compound fertilizer applied every month can meet growth needs. In the case of hydroponics, you can add a few drops of nutrient solution to the water. If the leaves are covered with dust, you can wipe or spray them with diluted beer to keep them shiny.

3. Temperature and light

The rubber tree does not need direct sunlight. Too strong sunlight may damage the leaves, so it is best placed in a diffused light area indoors. Its optimal growth temperature is 20-30℃. When the temperature is below 10℃, the growth almost stops. When the temperature is below 5℃, you need to keep warm to prevent frostbite.

4. Indoor maintenance precautions

Due to insufficient indoor ventilation, the Brazilian wood may be attacked by insects or diseases. It is recommended to ventilate the soil regularly, or bury some small white medicine in the soil in advance. This medicine is suitable for a variety of flowers and is a common plant protection product in the home.

The above are the key points for maintaining the rubber tree. I hope these maintenance tips can help you take better care of the rubber tree. If you have other maintenance questions, you can also leave a message.