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My dracena marginata is dropping

emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
in Plants
i have had this plant for 1-2 months now as.a present. Recently its started to droop. I don't know if its the cold, or if its not getting enough light. I have been watering it when the soil is very dry since its winter. Could somebody help before it starts to die? Thanks 
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  • emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
    Also if it helps I live in England so the temperature is like - 3 to 7 ish degrees celcius. If you have any knowledge on this please help 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    edited December 2018
    I take it you have it inside?
    It may be getting overwatered, as that can cause drooping. Annoyingly - it's often the same symptoms when underwatered. Just water it if it's dried out - the compost shouldn't be wet all the time. Ideally, if you can put it inside a bigger pot [in the pot it's in] on a couple of pot feet or similar to keep it off the base, it'll prevent waterlogging. I used to keep mine in a glazed pot with a layer of gravel in the bottom, which has the same effect. It also creates a little micro climate for it - as the excess water evaporates and gives it a  misting round the foliage.

    They're also affected by the overheated conditions we often have them in, in our homes, so it may benefit form a slightly cooler environment if you can manage. They  seem to prefer to ebout of direct sunlight, but that's more of a problem in summer. 
    To be honest - I think it looks fine!
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's from Madagascar originally so doesn't like temperatures below 10 to 15C.   It needs as much light as it can get so a south facing window and no cold draughts.   Your compost looks a bit fibrous whereas they prefer the drainage offered by a loamy mix such as John innes.   Remember that when the time comes to re-pot.

    Meanwhile, when you do water it, give the enire pot a good soaking and then let it drain and stand it on pebbles as FG suggests so there is some humidity around the foliage.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
    Fairygirl said:
    I take it you have it inside?
    It may be getting overwatered, as that can cause drooping. Annoyingly - it's often the same symptoms when underwatered. Just water it if it's dried out - the compost shouldn't be wet all the time. Ideally, if you can put it inside a bigger pot [in the pot it's in] on a couple of pot feet or similar to keep it off the base, it'll prevent waterlogging. I used to keep mine in a glazed pot with a layer of gravel in the bottom, which has the same effect. It also creates a little micro climate for it - as the excess water evaporates and gives it a  misting round the foliage.

    They're also affected by the overheated conditions we often have them in, in our homes, so it may benefit form a slightly cooler environment if you can manage. They  seem to prefer to ebout of direct sunlight, but that's more of a problem in summer. 
    To be honest - I think it looks fine!
    Thankyou very much! That really helps. Yeah I have never owned any plants other than cacti and succulents which I know how to care for properly. Thanks for the help 
  • emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
    Obelixx said:
    It's from Madagascar originally so doesn't like temperatures below 10 to 15C.   It needs as much light as it can get so a south facing window and no cold draughts.   Your compost looks a bit fibrous whereas they prefer the drainage offered by a loamy mix such as John innes.   Remember that when the time comes to re-pot.

    Meanwhile, when you do water it, give the enire pot a good soaking and then let it drain and stand it on pebbles as FG suggests so there is some humidity around the foliage.
    Thanksyou so much! Should I re pot it now? Also I am considering getting a humidifier because it's so dry and cold right now and that seems to have affected it. Thanks 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I agree.  Re-pot in spring when light levels and higher temps give it th eurge to grow.   Let it rest now and just keep it ticking over.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
    philippa smith2 said:
    If it is living in your house with you, I doubt the temp is too cold unless it is in a room on its own which you don't heat and rarely venture into.
    Just bear in mind that lower temps and light will always have an effect on growth - whether the plant is native or an exotic kept in a foreign environment.
    A re pot in Spring with a more appropriate medium and good light should see it right - tho I agree with Fairy - given the time of year, it looks ok.


    Thankyou! I'm new to caring for this type of plant and was really concerned weather it was OK or not haha. Thanks for the help 😊
  • emilielaurent2005emilielaurent2005 Posts: 10
    Obelixx said:
    I agree.  Re-pot in spring when light levels and higher temps give it th eurge to grow.   Let it rest now and just keep it ticking over.
    Thanksyou for all your help 😊
  • PhaidraPhaidra Posts: 582
    My sister's plant was also losing its leaves.  She decided it was too sunny for it, put it in a spot where it doesn't get any direct light and, for the past 2 years, it's been behaving itself!
  • Danae(dan-Ah-ee)Danae(dan-Ah-ee) Posts: 966
    Phaidra said:
    My sister's plant was also losing its leaves.  She decided it was too sunny for it, put it in a spot where it doesn't get any direct light and, for the past 2 years, it's been behaving itself!
    Plants are, at times, a law unto themselves!
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