Author : Kitti Mulalin

Summary : A study on the water and fertilizer requirements of DRACAENA MARGINATA grown in shaded and unshaded conditions was conducted to evaluate the effects of each factor as well as that of the air interaction on growth performance. The experiment was laid out in a 3x3x4 split-split-plot design in Randomized Complete Block Design. The shading treatments or main treatments were 75 percent, 50 percent, and full sunlight. Watering frequency of the sub-treatments were once a day, every two days, and every four days, while the fertilizer levels or the sub-sub treatments were 0-0-0, 50-50-50, 100-100-100, and 200-200-200 Kg N-P2 O5 -K2 O/ha. Results indicated that at 75 percent and 50 percent, the height of shaded Dracaena was significantly improved by 37 percent and 31 percent over the unshaded plants; leaf length improved by 34 percent and 37 percent. However, growing Dracaena in full sunlight resulted in higher root to shoot ratio and more leaves per plant. All fertilized plants were superior in terms of plant height, leaf length, root ot shoot ratio, number of leaves per plant, and fresh weight over the unfertilized plants. This indicated the significant role of fertilizer in growing ornamental plants. On the other ahnd, watering frequency and fertilizer level indicated that shaded condition, daily watering, and fertilizer using 50-50-50 Kg N-P2 O5 -K2 O/ha are requirements for optimum growth of Dracaena.