dead man's fingers
Decaisnea fargesii
Overview
Dead man's fingers (Decaisnea fargesii) is a truly amazing and unique plant species. Its fleshy, finger-shaped blue fruits and bright green foliage make it a standout choice for gardens and parks alike. In the fall months, its tall fronds turn a striking golden yellow. The flowers it produces are also incredibly alluring and can attract a variety of bird species. Its name is derived from the fact that its unusual fruits resemble fingers, and it is also said to have medicinal properties. Its showy features make it a great choice for any garden, and its fantastic appearance is sure to draw attention.
Care Guide
Watering
Decaisnea fargesii, also known as Dead Man's Fingers, prefers to be grown in indirect sunlight and watered when the top 2 centimeters of soil has dried out. Water the plant until water runs freely from the base of the pot then discard the excess. This prevents root rot and helps keep the soil from becoming saturated. Generally speaking they should be watered every 7 to 10 days (depending on the conditions and the size of the plant) in the summer and only occasionally during the winter.
Light
Dead man's fingers (Decaisnea fargesii) prefer bright sunlight or partial shade during the early morning. This species does best in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day throughout the growing season. In areas where the summers are hot and dry, this plant will benefit from some light afternoon shade. It should also be noted that plants of this species do not tolerate lower temperatures with a hardiness zone of 8-10 being recommended for optimal growth.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6-9.
Pruning
Dead man's fingers (Decaisnea fargesii) should be pruned in early spring to avoid damage from cold winter weather. Cut back the long, arching branches to a length of 4 to 6 feet. Be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches at the same time. Pruning this plant helps to keep it from becoming overgrown and will promote a full, thick growth during the summer months. For more precise pruning, cut away any branches that cross over 1 another and that are growing inwards toward the center of the plant.
Propagation
Seed Propagation, Cutting, Division, Layering Propagation
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