Interflora flowers

The pleomele reflexa is a robust plant with a tropical appearance and has become a popular choice of plant for both the home and the office.

Description
This plant is self-branching, with a loosely tufted and upright look to its foliage. It is favoured for its irregular, thick stems as well as its evergreen leaves. Although it can potentially reach a height of 6 metres, most people will find that their pleomele stays at a height of about 3 metres or less.

Habitat
The pleomele reflexa is native to Mauritius, Madagascar and India, and so thrives in warmer temperatures of between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It requires twice-weekly watering, although it can tolerate a lack of water quite well, both in the wild and when kept as an indoor plant.

Availability
Because the pleomele reflexa has evergreen leaves, you can pick one up at any time of the year. However, if you want a plant which is in bloom then look for one mid-winter, as this is when the pleomele produces small clusters of white flowers.

Species
The genus is reflexa and the species is dracaena. The pleomele is one of 40 types of plants which are classified as belonging to the dracaena species.

Care Tips
Keep your pleomele in partial shade, as direct sunlight can cause some wilting of the foliage. This plant should be allowed to dry out slightly before being watered and will need a balanced fertiliser to ensure its good health.

Did You Know?
The pleomele was used as a medicinal plant by traditional doctors in Madagascar, as it was believed to have anti-malarial properties.

References
http://www.dracaena.com/dracaena-reflexa.php
http://wildlifeofhawaii.com/flowers/1373/dracaena-reflexa-song-of-india/