Dichorisandra           

Family. Commelinaceae.

Origin. Southeast Brazil.

Description. Dichorisandra is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant with strong, erect, unbranched stems. Oval, pointed leaves are arranged in a spiral on the stems, reaching 12 - 15 cm in length and 4 cm in width. Sometimes young leaves have a dark purple spot in the center and a purple underside. Variegated species have white longitudinal stripes that contrast with the main dark green background of the leaf blade. The apical inflorescences, up to 20 cm long, consist of many small flowers only 1.3 cm in diameter in blue, lavender, purple and sometimes pink. Each flower consists of 3 petals, 3 sepals, and has bright yellow stamens. On sunny days, the buds may close in the afternoon, but in cloudy weather they remain open all day.

Height.  Grows slowly and reaches a height of 60 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Dichorisandra can be kept at room temperature all year round, but in winter it will not go into a dormant state. The winter minimum is at least 16 °C. 

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight during the day. If there is not enough light, the bush will stretch out. In winter, provide as much light as possible.

Care

Dichorisandra easily tolerates pruning, even drastic pruning. When all aerial parts are removed, new growth begins from the root system.

Substrate

Based on peat, leaf humus with the addition of coarse sand to improve drainage, soil with an acidic pH is preferable. 

Feeding

During active growth, feed every two weeks. This bush loves organic fertilizers.

Flowering time

At the end of summer and beginning of autumn.

Air humidity

Avoid excessively dry air in heated rooms, sudden temperature changes and drafts. Spray periodically or place the plant on a tray with wet pebbles. Do not place the pot too close to the window glass - there may be serious drafts in this place. Dichorisandra should be kept away from heat sources.

Soil moisture

If the bush grows at room temperature all year round, water it moderately in winter and summer. Let the soil dry out between waterings. If the flower slows down its development in the cold season, reduce the frequency of watering.

Transplant

This plant develops slowly and needs to be replanted on average every 2 years, in the spring. 

Reproduction

In spring and early summer, propagate by cuttings about 8 cm long. Each cutting should have at least 5 leaves. Remove the lower pair of leaves and place 2-3 cuttings in one pot. Cover the seedlings with a plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity and place in a warm place with a temperature of about 20 ° C without direct sunlight. Do not water during the rooting period, which lasts 4-6 weeks. After 6 weeks, remove the cap and begin moderate watering and feeding. Seeds are sown in spring. Plants can reproduce on their own and form entire colonies.

Pests and diseases

The edges of the leaves curl if the air in the room is too dry and the temperature is high. With a lack of light, variegated varieties lose their attractive color and the stems lengthen. If overwatered, rotting may occur.

The flower is susceptible to attacks by insects such as spider mites, mealybugs and aphids.

Note

Dichorisandra can live for many years in cultivation with good care, but with age it looks more loose and unkempt, as it loses some of its leaves. It is recommended to replace such copies with new ones every 1.5 - 2 years.