Description of Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl.
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl., commonly known as the Baumann's dragon tree, is a species of lush evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Asparagaceae. The plant is indigenous to tropical Africa, particularly Senegal, Cameroon, and Angola, where it grows in humid and shaded lowlands. The Baumann's dragon tree is a popular ornamental plant grown in gardens, parks, and indoors.
General Appearance of Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl.
The Baumann's dragon tree can grow up to 3 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of about 40 cm. The plant has thick fleshy stems that are greenish-brown, grey, or almost black in color, with leaf scars that are elliptical in shape. Its leaves are long, narrow, with a slightly arched margin that grows up to 60 cm long and 3 cm wide. The leaves are dark green blending to a lighter colour on the edges, with lighter green stripes that aide photosynthesis.
Common Names of Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl.
The Baumann's dragon tree is known by different names across its native range. In Senegal, it is called "Mbambouk", while in Cameroon, it is known as "Lindambo". Some other common names include "Dragon's Blood Tree" and "Bishop's Pine".
Uses of Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl.
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. has several uses, particularly in traditional African medicine, where the leaves, bark, and roots are used in various remedies to treat respiratory infections, fever, and stomach discomfort. Additionally, the plant can be decorative or ornamental, and it is an excellent plant for landscaping, adding character and providing multiple benefits. The plant is also sometimes consumed as a dietary supplement due to the powerful antioxidants it contains.
Light Requirements
Dracaena arborea var. baumannii prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. If the plant is placed in direct sunlight, it may suffer leaf burn. It is recommended to keep the plant near a bright, sunny window that receives filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Dracaena arborea var. baumannii is 60-80°F (15.5-26.5°C). This plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F (10°C). It is essential to avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Dracaena arborea var. baumannii grows best in well-draining soil that retains moisture. A soil mix consisting of equal parts peat moss, coarse sand, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5). It is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. is an easy-to-grow indoor plant that can be grown outdoors if the climate allows. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many households.
The plant prefers bright, indirect light, but it can also grow in low light conditions. When growing indoors, it is recommended to rotate the pot frequently to ensure all sides of the plant receive sunlight. Outdoors, it should be placed in an area with partial shade to protect it from scorching sunlight.
The plant thrives in well-draining soil and is not too fussy about pH levels. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. requires less water than most indoor plants. The soil should be allowed to dry out completely between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to yellowing of the leaves and root rot. It is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant period.
Fertilization
The plant does not require frequent fertilization. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. When fertilizing, it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid applying too much fertilizer, as it can burn the roots of the plant.
Pruning
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. requires very little pruning. The plant naturally sheds its lower leaves as it grows taller. Brown or yellow leaves can be removed with clean, sharp scissors to keep the plant looking neat. If the plant becomes too tall, it can be cut back to a desired height without harming its health.
Propagation of Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl.
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. is a tropical foliage plant native to Africa and commonly used as an indoor plant. It grows up to 3 meters in height, and its stem is thick and woody with green and glossy leaves.
There are several propagation methods for Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl., including:
Stem Cuttings
One of the most common methods of propagating Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. is through stem cuttings. This can be done either in water or soil. To propagate in water, cut a stem with at least 2-3 nodes and place in a container of water. Make sure to change the water every few days. Once roots have formed, it can be transferred to soil. To propagate in soil, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone and insert into a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place it in a warm, bright spot but not in direct sunlight.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method used for Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. To do this, make a small cut on the stem where you would like the roots to form. Then, cover the cut with a handful of damp sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic to keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots should start to form from the cut. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the roots and plant in soil.
Division
Dracaena arborea (Willd.) Link var. baumannii Engl. can also be propagated through division. This is done by separating the plant at the root level into multiple parts, making sure that each part has a good amount of roots. Once separated, each section can be planted in its own pot or in the ground.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to care for the plant just as you would for a mature plant. This includes keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, placing it in a bright spot but not in direct sunlight, and fertilizing regularly.
Disease Management
Dracaena arborea is susceptible to several diseases such as leaf spots caused by bacteria, fungi, or water stress. Fusarium and Pythium species cause crown and stem rot. Grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea attacks the stem, leaves, and flowers of the plant, causing them to decay. Root rot caused by Phytophthora spp. is another common disease in Dracaena arborea.
To manage these diseases, it's essential to maintain proper watering practices. Avoid over-watering the plant and make sure the soil is well-drained. Remove any fallen leaves or debris around the plant that could harbor disease-causing organisms. Use a fungicide to control the spread of fungal diseases. If the infection is severe, prune and dispose of the infected parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Dracaena arborea is also susceptible to several pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and plant death in severe cases.
To manage these pests, use a pesticide or insecticidal soap to control their population. You could also prune and dispose of infected plant parts like leaves and stems. Ensure your plant is healthy by providing the right amount of water, fertilizer, and sunlight to minimize stress and make the plant less susceptible to pests. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests and catch them early for effective control.
