by Admin | April, 01, 2025 | Gardening tips | 0 comments
Please note: The Cape Flats Nature Reserve will be closed this week from Wednesday 2nd - Sunday 6th April due to our Prescribed Burn.
Flare ups might happen and we do not want anyone caught in the reserve unexpectedly. Please stay safe and away from the reserve during this period.
We thank you for your cooperation.
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by Admin | July 10, 2024 | Indigenous indoor plants | 0 comments
Common name: large-leaved dragon tree
Family: Ruscaceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant description: an evergreen, usually single-stemmed small tree that grows between 2 to 5
metres tall. It is tan-coloured bark marked with leaf scars. The leaves,
crowded near the top of the stems, are glossy green, leathery, strap-shaped,
and slightly drooping, reaching up to 1 meter in length. During summer
(November to February), tall spikes of sweetly scented, tiny, yellow-green
flowers bloom, followed by striking orange berries.
Water requirement: medium water requirement (water consistent during the growing season and
less during winter).
Plant care: plant in well-drained fertile soil and composted soil. Keep it out of
direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Re-pot only every 18 to 24 months, ideally
during the growing season. When re-potting, choose a pot with good drainage 5 to 10 cm larger than the root ball. The pot will give the plant enough
space to grow.
Pest and diseases: generally disease-free, but look out for snails as they can cause
damage.
Propagation: to grow more Dracaena aletriformis,
use seeds or cuttings. It grows easily from fresh seeds. Remove the sticky,
orange pulp before sowing as it contains a growth inhibitor that will slow germination.
Sow seeds in spring or summer in a compost-rich medium. Place seeds in the shade.
Cuttings should be taken from the stem. Stem or side-shoot cuttings will
root well in a sand/fern fibre mix.
