Please help me id this plant

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by claudinam, Oct 15, 2006.

  1. claudinam

    claudinam Member

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    Hi,

    If anybody can help me figure out the name of this plant, I would appreciate it.

    This plant was in very low light conditions for a couple of years. Now that I'm in South Florida (it's been 2 months) its health has definitely improved. But I wish it wasn't so "leggy." Would trimming it help? If so, should I trim all the branches? And can I do it now (late October) or do I need to wait for next Spring?

    Thanks!

    P.S.: Please let me know if it would be helpful to take a close-up picture of its "trunk" or leaves.
     

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  2. James D.

    James D. Active Member

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    You have a dracaena reflexia "song of jamiaca". It would be useful to give it a good hard pruning and since you live in florida It should be fine to prune it now.
     
  3. claudinam

    claudinam Member

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    Thanks so much James.

    How certain are you that it's a Dracaena Reflexa? I'm asking because someone else had made the same ID, but it really didn't look like it to me based on the pictures I found on the Internet. If I could find a close-up of what its trunk looks like it would be helpful.

    Assuming this is indeed a Dracaena Reflexa, how far down should I prune? Just in case should I prune just a couple of trunks only? Do the cuts need to be disinfected?

    I would appreciate your guidance.
     
  4. Nandan Kalbag

    Nandan Kalbag Active Member

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    It is Pleomele reflexa
     
  5. James D.

    James D. Active Member

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    It is a draceana reflexia and they can all look a little bit different depending on hoe much light and fertillizer they have gotten. I suggest cutting the 2 tallest trunks by half and then placing them either in water to grow roots or put rooting hormone on them and placing them in the same pot for a more full look. For the rest of them just kep in mind what look you wantthe plant to have later and remeber that it will mostly send out new shoots a few inches below the cut, so cut it where ever you like depending on what size you want it to be.
     
  6. claudinam

    claudinam Member

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    OK James, thanks. I'm a little afraid to prune it, but I guess it's the only way.
     
  7. claudinam

    claudinam Member

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    Thanks to you also, Nandan.
     
  8. James D.

    James D. Active Member

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    You shouldn't be afraid, sometimes you have to be ruthless with your plants.
     
  9. claudinam

    claudinam Member

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    :) OK

    Maybe I can let you know how she turns out.

    Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
     

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