Location

The Pleomele reflexa is a houseplant that really does well with less light. They require a maximum of 3 hours of direct sunlight per day, with indirect light being preferred. The best location is in front of a north-facing window, 2 to 3 metres in front of an east- or west-facing window, or 3 to 4 metres in front of a south-facing window. The Pleomele varieties with variegated leaves can tolerate a little more sunlight and be placed in a more sunny location. In that case, avoid setting the plant up somewhere south-facing because three hours of direct sunlight is really this plant's maximum. If the leaves of the Pleomele reflexa become lighter in colour, the plant is getting too much light. However, if the plant is barely growing, it's not getting enough light.

Watering

The Pleomele reflexa is an easy plant to care for. The plant only needs water when the dirt feels dry. The amount of water depends on, among other things, the temperature, the size of the houseplant, and the amount of light that the houseplant receives. If the soil still feels damp after a few days, it is best to water less to prevent root rot. If the leaves start to curl, the plant is drying out.

Air Purification Champion

In addition to being very low-maintenance, the Pleomele also ranks high on NASA's list of the most air-purifying plants in existence. In short, a beautiful plant that offers nothing but benefits. So it's no surprise that Pleomele reflexa is a very popular plant.

Spraying and Temperature

The plant will certainly appreciate the occasional spray because it helps to keep any pests away. In addition, if you maintain a minimum temperature of 18℃ during the day and 12℃ at night, you will enjoy the beautiful, slow-growing Pleomele reflexa for years.

Propagation

Are there any empty or dark spots inside that could use some greenery? The Pleomele is easy to propagate. Cut a branch growing about 10 to 15 centimetres from the main trunk and remove one-third of the lower leaves. This cutting will then throw roots when placed in a glass of water on a windowsill. After a few weeks, roots will appear, and you can plant the cutting in moist cutting soil.

Prune and Remove Discoloured Leaves

Another advantage of the Pleomele reflexa: it grows slowly, so it doesn't require frequent pruning. Pruning is easy by cutting off the tips with pruning shears. Discoloured leaves can be removed with a handy trick. Tear the leaf lengthwise and then pull it down off of the trunk. You will see that the wound dries up beautifully.

Dragon's Blood

The Pleomele reflexa varieties are part of the Dracaena family. Dracaena is derived from the Greek 'drakaina', which means female dragon. This name is due to the bright red resin, or dragon's blood, that some species of Dracaena produce This explains the English name Dragon's blood plant.