Transplanting dracaena at home

The main tasks that are solved during transplantation are replacing the soil and using a larger pot. As a result, suitable conditions for the plant's development are created. But it is important to learn in advance how to transplant a dracaena, because mistakes made during this process lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the flower or contribute to its death.

When is the best time to replant?

If the bush develops without deviations, in accordance with the norms, it should not be disturbed unnecessarily. This is due to the fact that transplantation is stress for the plant.

Urgent transplant

It is necessary to replace the soil or pot as soon as possible in the following situations:

1. The roots have grown, passed through the drainage and spread outwards, they have overcome the obstacle (the bottom of the container). This happens due to intensive growth, uncontrolled use of substances that stimulate plant development.
2. Long-term stay in one container for more than 3 years. In this case, yellowing of leaves, their wilting, falling off, inhibition of dracaena growth, and general deterioration of appearance are observed.
3. Soil acidification. Occurs as a result of strong moisture on a regular basis. A sign of this phenomenon is midges above the surface layer of soil.
4. Infectious diseases. Most often, a complete replacement of the soil is required, the pot is treated with disinfectants or insectoacaricide solutions, sometimes the container is changed to a new one.

Planned

Reasons for transplantation:

1. The dracaena is moved to a new, larger pot, into a fresh, fertile substrate. This should be done within the first 7-14 days after purchase. The period depends on the condition of the bush: if there are no signs of disease, lethargy, it is recommended to quarantine it, which will allow infections to be identified and it to adapt to new conditions.
2. Young plants are replanted every year.
3. It is not recommended to disturb mature flowers (over 5 years old) often; it is enough to change the soil every 2-3 years.

It is recommended to transplant after the dormant period ends – at the beginning of spring. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to accelerate the development of young plants, since the root system is in loose fertile soil.

Rules for transplantation at home

Since a plant older than 5 years has already developed quite strongly, the root system is voluminous, it is recommended to place it in a new container as a last resort. Most often, a simplified method is used - add soil to the pot.

Transplanting a purchased flower

Leaving the bush in the container that was used to transport it to the store is not recommended for several reasons:

• high peat content in the substrate, which causes moisture to be retained more, as a result of which the roots may rot;
• low air permeability of the substrate, which increases the risk of its souring and the appearance of mold;
• small container size, roots grow and become compacted, which leads to their damage.

The transport container is intended only for transportation, temporary development of the plant in it. The bush may die if it remains in such a pot.

Necessary tools

For work prepare:

• pruning shears;
• a sharply sharpened knife;
• scoop;
• container with a spray bottle;
• bucket for substrate;
• a deep container with water.

It is better to carry out the transplant procedure with gloves, as it will be necessary to contact the soil (for example, wash the roots). The tool should be disinfected. This will prevent the spread of infection if you previously had to use tools for transplanting other plants.

Choosing the right pot

To determine the size of the pot, you need to know the diameter of the root ball. There should be 1.5-2 cm between it and the walls of the container. Selection rules:

• A clay pot is suitable for growing a bush; it is made of breathable material, but if there are no other varieties, it is permissible to purchase a plastic container;
• there should be holes in the bottom;
• It is recommended to consider the types of pots that are sold complete with a tray, this element is necessary, since water will pour out through the holes in the bottom of the container, it can be removed immediately, thereby reducing the risk of soil acidification;
• the diameter of the pot should be 3 cm larger than the previous one (average value);
• for low plants the shape of the container does not matter;
• for a dracaena that is more than 40 cm high, you should purchase a glass-shaped pot, it should be stable, in this case the minimum diameter is 20 cm;
• It is not recommended to choose a container that is too large – moisture will be retained by the soil.

The pot must be cleaned, even if it is new. The inner surfaces are treated with a soap solution. Then it is rinsed with water without additives.

Soil for dracaena

Ready-made soil for dracaenas and palms is used. This is a balanced mixture of components that provides these types of plants with a sufficient amount of nutrients. If it is not possible to buy such soil, you can make it yourself by taking:

• turf (2 shares);
• compost (1 share);
• leaf soil (1 share).

The main component is peat, the acidity of which is within 6.5 pH. Its amount is at least ½ of the total volume of the finished soil. It is important to use a special composition, and not soil from the site. It contains too many mineral compounds. In addition, there is a risk of infection of the flower. The soil on the site may contain harmful microorganisms, insect eggs, mites. When entering comfortable environmental conditions, the process of their development is activated, which will lead to infection of the plant.

An important condition is to obtain a loose soil structure. To do this, when making it yourself, add brick chips, river sand or expanded clay to the composition. It is necessary to mix the soil to evenly distribute the solid fractions throughout the structure.

Sterilization of the soil

There are 2 methods used:

• treatment is carried out with boiling water;
• The substrate in the oven is disinfected.

In the first case, the soil is not only sterilized, but also moistened. You should not use the soil immediately after this, you need to wait until it cools down and the excess moisture evaporates. The soil should be laid out on a newspaper. After it cools down, the dracaena is replanted.

If the oven roasting method is chosen, the soil should be placed on a baking tray. The temperature regime is pre-set – within +100°C. Harmful microorganisms do not survive in such conditions. Excess moisture does not appear, but it is important to wait until the soil cools down. After that, you can proceed to transplanting the bush.

How to transplant dracaena correctly

Step by step instructions:

1. It is necessary to prepare tools, containers, substrate. It is more convenient to perform the procedure on a table or floor.
2. To extract the plant, tilt the pot at a slight angle. Then tap on the bottom of the container.
3. The root system is inspected. There should be no pests or traces of their activity (eggs, dust). Damaged areas of the roots are cut off. Then they are treated with charcoal and a solution of potassium permanganate.
4. It is necessary to moisten the roots, for which a spray bottle is used.
5. Drainage is formed at the bottom of the pot.
6. A layer of soil is poured.
7. The plant is centered and must be held with one hand at all times.
8. The root system is covered with soil, using a scoop. At the same time, the pot needs to be shaken. As a result, the soil is compacted, filling the gaps between the roots. There is no need to tamp the soil with much effort.
9. The recommended soil level is 1-2 cm below the top edge of the pot. This measure will allow you to moisten the plant. Water will not spill over the edges.

After transplanting, it is necessary to moisten the soil. The plant is sprayed with water from a spray bottle. This will prevent the leaves from wilting when changing the soil or container.

Peculiarities of transplanting a young plant

Rules that must be followed to maintain the viability of the shrub:

• the soil must be dry, so stop watering the dracaena 2 days before replanting;
• it is necessary to extract the root system so that the soil remains on it, but if infections develop (damage by microscopic pests, fungi), it is necessary, on the contrary, to remove all the soil if possible;
• cleaning the roots from old soil is a necessary measure if the plant has not been replanted for a long time, the soil is very depleted, and replenishing the deficiency of nutrients with fertilizers will not solve the problem;
• a drainage layer is formed at the bottom: gravel, sand, its thickness cannot be less than 1/8 of the height of the pot.

Caring for Dracaena after Repotting

Recommendations for maintaining plant immunity:

• the soil is moistened once every 2-3 days, and it is recommended to use melt water, it is prepared in advance, the liquid used is at room temperature;
• effective ventilation is installed, an alternative option is regular airing;
• the air temperature in the room is from +25°C, at the adaptation stage it is important to create the most comfortable conditions, and the humidity level should not be less than 80%;
• the flower should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this will cause burns on the weakened leaves;
• during the growth period (in spring) fertilizers are added (every 2 weeks);
• At the initial stage of development in a new pot, stimulating solutions should be used, which will activate the growth process of the bush.

What problems may arise?

Difficulties that arise when replanting dracaena:

• if the plant falls during the process, the stem or root breaks, cut off the undamaged parts, place the cuttings in water or a solution of activated carbon, when roots appear, plant the plants in moistened vermiculite, cover with polyethylene and periodically ventilate;
• the pot is not disinfected, regardless of whether it is new or previously used, and harmful microorganisms get onto the roots (especially if they are partially damaged), and the plant becomes infected;
• dracaena is watered a day before replanting, as a result the water does not have time to evaporate, the soil is too wet, which does not allow the root system to be properly removed from the pot, cleaned of soil (if necessary);
• the plant is covered with polyethylene film, ventilation is not performed, which leads to the formation of condensation, increased humidity, and the development of fungus;
• the bush is watered too often and too abundantly, in such conditions the root system rots, it is necessary to remember that succulents are suitable for slightly, and not very moist soil;
• insufficiently intensive watering is a problem that is the opposite of the previously discussed error; in this case, the soil dries out and becomes compacted, which hinders the development of the bush, and as a result, it dies: the leaves turn yellow, fall off, and become lethargic.

If the plant does not develop after transplantation, its appearance deteriorates, it is necessary to change the environmental parameters. For example, the temperature is regulated more precisely, it is possible that the difference of several degrees for dracaena turned out to be significant. In addition, it is necessary to eliminate drafts, but it is important to frequently ventilate the room.

Check drainage (holes in the bottom of the pot are not covered with gravel or roots). If the environmental parameters are normal, it is recommended to use growth stimulants. The prepared solution is used to treat the above-ground part of the dracaena.