Care Chinese Happy Plants – The Chinese Happy Plant is also known as the Dracaena fragrans massangeana and Chinese Money Plant and it is a fairly popular indoor plant.
Its foliage is similar to that of the corn and so it is sometimes referred to as a corn plant also. This plant produces a beautiful and fragrant white flower and in the wild it is known to grow as tall as 20 feet.
The Chinese Happy Plant is a good candidate for a house plant because it handles low-light fairly well.
As a container plant inside the house it does not grow as tall as it does in nature but it still makes for a plant of striking proportions.
The size of the plant and the flower combine to make it an interesting addition to any décor. The fact that it is fairly easy to take care off adds to its appeal for many an indoor gardener.
The Happy Plant adapts to many different kinds of soil but using an organic potting soil formulated for tropical plants will give your container plant a big boost in getting established.
Potting soils made for tropical plants tend to be amended with organic matter and this is a close match for the plants natural growth conditions.
But do not let the word tropical prompt you to constantly water the plant. The Happy Plant is fairly drought tolerant and is actually more vulnerable to root rot.
It is better to let the top layer of the soil dry completely between watering sessions. If you water too frequently, the plant may not be able to handle the excess water.
While speaking of water, it should be emphasized that the container you choose should have very good drainage.
A pot where there is scope for water-logging will be harmful to the Happy Plant. Add a layer of gravel before putting the potting soil and embedding the plant.
Another detail to note while watering the Happy Plant is that it is susceptible to the Fluoride in tap water.
Experts suggest that you can collect the water and leave it to settle overnight and then use it on the plant the next day.
As mentioned earlier, the Happy Plant is capable of handling conditions where it gets only a low amount of light.
However, if you want your plant to thrive and produce those gorgeous blossoms, you should find a location where the plant gets two to three hours of sunlight every day.
Ideally, this should be indirect sunlight. Sunlight will help the colors of the foliage become more varied and dramatic also.
Do not place the plant too close to the heater or vent as this can cause variations in temperature that can be detrimental to the health of the plant. The Happy Plant needs an even temperature of about 75 degrees.
This plant does need fertilizing in the spring and summer for the whitish-yellow blooms to appear.
Given that it grows to be tall, you can either put it in a large container early on or re-pot every other year.
Even if you are using the same container, it is a good idea to thoroughly freshen the soil every two years to make sure that it has all the nutrients it needs.
Those who own the Happy Plant mentioned that mites are a pest that can attack this plant. The leaves seem to make for good food for these pests but this is likely to happen only if you take plant outdoors for any stretch at all.
Otherwise, you should find it easier to keep your plant pest-free. If you do air your plant outside occasionally, look out for signs of insect or fungal infestation.
There are sprays and cleansers available in stores which you can use to address the problem, should it appear. Acting promptly will help you save your Happy Plant.