Banderillas: [Cultivation, Irrigation, Care, Pests and Diseases]

Cordyline fruticosa is a plant native to the tropical regions of Asia and Oceania. It is characterized by its elongated and striking purplish-red leaves.

It is generally used as an ornamental plant. However, it is also used in the field of medicine and industry.

In some areas, the roots of the banderilla are incorporated into the diet as they have a sweet taste. Likewise, its foliage is used to store food and cover the roofs of houses.

Although the banderilla is not native to Hawaii, it is frequently used to make the hula, a typical skirt used in traditional dances.

Important points when planting a banderilla:

• Scientific name: Cordyline fruticosa.
• Common name: banderilla, dracaena, red palmita, lucky tree, red cordyline, cordiline, drácena.
• Height: 30 centimeters to 3 meters.
• Light requirement: Direct light and partial shade.
• Temperature: Warm and temperate climates (20ºC to 25ºC).
• Irrigation: Moderate.
• Fertilizer: Organic fertilizer.

What characteristics does the banner have?

It is an evergreen, long-lived plant with a semi-woody consistency. It generally measures just over 30 centimeters, but sometimes it reaches up to 4 meters in height. It has slightly branched stems from which new shoots, or suckers, are born, which are used to propagate the plant.

As the plant grows, the stem lengthens at the same time that it loses basal leaves. The leaves of the banderilla are grouped in a spiral around the stem. They come to have different colors and shades such as brown, pink, violet and green. The green ones tend to have better resistance to shade.

The flowers of the banderilla are aromatic, white with pink and reddish tints. They are grouped in bouquets or long, clustered star-shaped inflorescences. These sprout only on mature plants. The fruits are small fleshy wine-colored berries grouped in clusters. Inside they keep 3 seeds.

When to sow the banderilla?

It is recommended to plant cordyline during the spring so that winter temperatures do not affect its growth and foliage.

Where to plant the banderilla?

The banderilla is established in warm and humid climates, in which the temperature remains between 20ºC and 25ºC, the optimum range for cultivation of this plant.

The cordiline do not tolerate temperatures below 16ºC, nor those that exceed 30ºC. For this reason, it is advisable to plant them in a place where temperatures remain warm and stable, away from strong air currents.

Likewise, it should be located in places where it receives direct sunlight during the first or last hours of the day, or, in very well lit places, in semi-shade.

The banderilla is a plant that turns out to be very attractive in open spaces. It can be used in the garden, in large groups at the foot of trees, or to define borders. On the other hand, it can be kept inside the home or office, in pots.

How to prepare the land?

Banderilla is best grown in deep, well-drained soil with good aeration. It is recommended to plant them in substrates rich in organic matter, with a pH of 6.5 to 7. These are usually made up of a mixture of compost, peat and perlite, in equal parts.

It is possible to improve the soil by applying any type of fertilizer during the spring and summer. This fertilizer can be humus or mature manure, or liquid fertilizer that should be applied during irrigation.

How do we water the banderilla?

The banderilla is a plant that does not have a high water demand. However, both excess water and drought can profoundly affect its proper development.

Due to the above, watering should be done sporadically and thoroughly, allowing the substrate to dry for a few days before applying it again.

How often do we water the banderilla?

The frequency of irrigation will depend on aspects such as the climate and the place where the plant is located. It is recommended to water twice a week during spring and summer; 1 time per week during the winter.

If it is in pots, irrigation should be applied more frequently until the substrate is sufficiently moistened.

How to plant a banderilla step by step?

Banderilla is normally cultivated asexually through cuttings and suckers. Instructions for growing them by these two methods are shared below.

by cutting

1. Cut a 5- to 10-centimeter-long section of the stem from a mature plant. This should be done with a sharp, clean and disinfected instrument to prevent infection.
2. It is recommended to apply rooting hormones to speed up the process, however, it is not a mandatory step.
3. Place the cutting in a pot with fertile, moist and well-drained substrate. Keep it in a warm place for 10 months, until new shoots grow.
4. Allow the plant to establish before planting in its final place.

by children

1. Choose a mature plant that has one or two bushes, or suckers, on the sides.
2. Remove it from the ground, or from the pot, and submerge the root ball in water; this step will loosen the substrate between the roots.
3. Gradually remove the soil and carefully separate the roots of each specimen.
4. Once the plants have been divided, transplant them into a pot with new substrate, twice the size of the root system.
5. Add the substrate until it covers the roots of the plant; press well and water lightly.

What care does the banderilla need?

The banderilla is a species that does not require excessive care. Among the fundamental cares is watering properly, without scarcity and without puddles, as well as protecting it from low temperatures.

It is also necessary to remove the dry leaves of the plant as it grows. It is important to remove them to prevent the accumulation of bacteria on the stems and in the substrate.

On the other hand, if it is in a pot, it is important to transplant it as soon as there is no longer enough space for the roots. This can be done by choosing a larger pot and filling it with organic substrate.

What pests and diseases affect the banderilla?

The banderilla is susceptible to the attack of some species such as the red spider, the cottony mealybug, thrips and aphids.

They can also be affected by fungal diseases caused by Colletotrichum and Phytophthora fungi.

References

• https://digi.usac.edu.gt/edigi/pdf/guide.pdf
• https://lajorara.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Inventario-Ambiental-Jorara.pdf
• http://www.inifapcirne.gob.mx/Biblioteca/Publicaciones/904.pdf
• http://www.opb.gob.mx/portal/wp-content/uploads/transparencia/93/I/f/PDU2018/III-1%20anexo%20Manejo%20de%20Vegetacion%2019012018.pdf
• https://www.hogarmania.com/jardineria/tecnicas/reproduccion/como-dividir-mata-cordyline-danar.html