Brazilwood, which sounds like a type of wood, is actually a common ornamental plant, also known as the Brazilian iron tree. Its leaves are green and shiny, and its branches are thick and powerful, making it an ornament in many people's homes. But, did you know that brazilwood is not actually wood? Do you know how to maintain brazilwood to make it grow better? This article will uncover the mysteries of brazilwood and teach you how to properly maintain it.
Brazilwood is not wood, what is it?
The scientific name of brazilwood is the Agave family, which is a succulent plant and is related to plants such as cacti and sedum. Its origin is Brazil in South America, hence the name Brazilwood. Its leaves are fleshy and can store water and adapt to arid environments. Its stems are lignified and can support the weight of the plant, creating a tree-like appearance. As a result, Brazilwood looks like a small tree but is actually a succulent.
How to maintain brazilwood?
Brazilwood is a relatively easy plant to maintain, and it can grow healthily as long as you pay attention to the following points:
Light**: Brazilwood prefers plenty of sunlight and can be placed on a balcony or windowsill and receives 4-6 hours of direct light per day. If there is not enough light, the leaves of brazilwood will turn yellow-green, the branches will become thin, and the growth will become slow. If the light is too strong, the leaves of brazilwood will burn, appearing as yellow or brown spots on the tips or edges of the leaves. Therefore, according to the season and climate, the position of brazilwood should be adjusted appropriately to avoid excessive or insufficient light.
Water**: Brazilwood is a succulent plant that does not need too much water, and watering should master the principle of watering with less water and more watering. Generally speaking, in spring and summer, water once a week, each time to water thoroughly, to let the water flow out of the bottom of the pot and avoid standing water. In autumn and winter, water once every two weeks, a small amount each time, to keep the soil slightly moist and avoid over-wetting. If there is too much water, the roots of brazilwood will rot, which will manifest as the leaves will become soft and yellow, the branches will become black and soft, and the plant will die. If there is too little water, the leaves of brazilwood will shrink, which is manifested as the leaves will become thinner and drier, the branches will become thinner and weaker, and the growth will stagnate. Therefore, according to the dryness and wetness of the soil, water it appropriately and avoid too much or too little.
Soil**: Brazilwood is suitable for loose and breathable soil**, you can choose **succulent special soil made of saprolite, perlite, sand and other materials**, or prepare some **garden soil, humus, sand** and other materials, the ratio is**3:2:1**. Such soil can maintain good air permeability and drainage, which is conducive to the growth of brazilwood. If the soil is too dense or sticky, it can affect the root respiration of brazilwood, causing the roots to lack oxygen or rot. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the right soil and avoid using materials such as clay and earth.
Temperature**: Brazilwood prefers a warm environment and can tolerate a temperature range of **10-35°C**, with the optimum temperature being **20-25°C**. If the temperature is too high, the leaves of brazilwood will become **dehydrated**, which is manifested as the leaves become dry and tarnished. If the temperature is too low, the leaves of brazilwood will suffer from frostbite, which is manifested as the leaves turning black and falling off. Therefore, according to the season and climate, the indoor temperature should be adjusted appropriately to avoid the temperature being too high or too low.
Fertilizer**: Brazilwood is a slow-growing plant, which does not require too much fertilizer, and fertilization should master the principle of less fertilizer and frequent application. Generally speaking, in spring and summer, apply **rotten organic fertilizer** once a month**, such as **bone meal, cod liver oil, bean cake**, etc., which can promote the growth and flowering of brazilwood. In autumn and winter, no fertilization is required, or diluted liquid fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., can be applied every two months, which can enhance the cold resistance of brazilwood. If there is too much fertilizer, the leaves of brazilwood will appear **mottled**, which is manifested as white or yellow spots on the leaves, which affects the appearance. If there is too little fertilizer, the leaves of brazilwood will be malnourished, which is manifested as the leaves become smaller and lighter, and the growth is slow. Therefore, it is necessary to fertilize appropriately according to the season and growth conditions, and avoid too much or too little.