Dragon bones belong to the Euphorbiaceae family and have a shape somewhat similar to cacti, with plants reaching heights of 2 to 3 meters and having a shrub-like appearance. Not only do they have an upright growth habit, but they also have excellent air purification capabilities, making them a popular choice for indoor cultivation. So, can dragon bones flower? How can they be cultivated to bloom? Let's find out.
Can Dragon Bones Flower?
Similar to cacti, dragon bones generally have difficulty flowering. To encourage flowering, it's essential to provide them with suitable growing conditions. Dragon bones typically bloom in the summer and autumn seasons. Their flowers are relatively large, opening between the ridges, with colors ranging from yellow to yellow-green and emitting a faint floral fragrance. They are renowned as "king flowers" and have high ornamental value.
How to Cultivate Dragon Bones for Flowering?
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Soil Selection: Dragon bones prefer loose, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Therefore, when caring for dragon bones, it's crucial to choose suitable soil. For home potted plants, a mixture of 1 part humus soil, 1 part coarse sand, and a small amount of well-rotted chicken or cow manure can be used to create a growing medium.
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Light and Temperature: Dragon bone flowers prefer places with ample sunlight, with better growth as light intensity increases. Additionally, they prefer warmth and are sensitive to cold temperatures. If the temperature drops too low, their growth may slow down or stop altogether, or they may suffer from frostbite. It's recommended to maintain temperatures above 10°C during the winter.
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Watering and Fertilization: Dragon bone flowers are drought-tolerant, so watering should be moderate. In spring, watering should not be excessive, typically once every 10-15 days. During the hot summer, watering frequency can be increased appropriately. During the dormant period in autumn and winter, it's best to keep them moderately dry, and it's advisable to protect them from winter by wrapping the pots with plastic film. Fertilization should mainly consist of compound fertilizer or well-rotted bean cake fertilizer. Pay attention to the concentration and amount of fertilizer to avoid fertilizer damage.
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Pest and Disease Control: Dragon bone flowers rarely face threats from pests. If they are infested with whiteflies, aphids, or scale insects, root drenching with a 1000-fold dilution of insecticide can effectively control the infestation. For diseases such as anthracnose and canker, fungicides like mancozeb and carbendazim can be used for prevention and control.
In conclusion, dragon bones can indeed flower, but they require a favorable cultivation environment, including suitable conditions for light, temperature, watering, soil, etc. With proper care, dragon bones will grow well and naturally produce beautiful flowers.
