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Dracaena dying??

cazsophieq2019cazsophieq2019 Posts: 193
in Problem solving
Hi everyone

I hope you're all well.

I'm concerned about my dracaena (at least I think that's what it is)  I bought well over a year ago. 

It was in a.small.plastic pot and didn't appear to be thriving so read up on them, watered early this year then realised that I may have overwatered it (it got watered rarely very rarely) as the leaves were browning and yellowing so potted it into a.larger breathable pot.

This was all months ago however it doesn't seem to have recovered.

Any thoughts?  Thanks as always x



Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    I find the best technique for watering house plants is to dunk the whole pot in a bucket till no more air bubbles appear and then to stand them where they can drain completely so the roots do not sit in soggy, airless compost.   You can do a finger test to check when the compost is dry and needs a soak.  Just poke in your index finger to the first knuckle.  If it feels dry, soak it then drain it.  It shouldn't need doing often in winter.

    Dracaena eventually grow woody stems and can get quite tall.  They need plenty of light so a south facing position is best in winter when light levels are low but in summer make sure direct sunlight is filtered through a net curtain or else move it to an east facing window.  Keep it away from draughts and also direct heat. 

    The broader the leaf the more light and the more warmth they need and I wouldn't be letting that one get cold at all so make sure the room in it's in doesn't get cold at night.  I'd also suggest misting it regularly to keep the foliage moist.  They are sensitive to fluoride in tap water and it can cause browning of the leaves so try using distilled water for misting and save rain water for watering.
    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
  • cazsophieq2019cazsophieq2019 Posts: 193
    Obelixx said:
    I find the best technique for watering house plants is to dunk the whole pot in a bucket till no more air bubbles appear and then to stand them where they can drain completely so the roots do not sit in soggy, airless compost.   You can do a finger test to check when the compost is dry and needs a soak.  Just poke in your index finger to the first knuckle.  If it feels dry, soak it then drain it.  It shouldn't need doing often in winter.

    Dracaena eventually grow woody stems and can get quite tall.  They need plenty of light so a south facing position is best in winter when light levels are low but in summer make sure direct sunlight is filtered through a net curtain or else move it to an east facing window.  Keep it away from draughts and also direct heat. 

    The broader the leaf the more light and the more warmth they need and I wouldn't be letting that one get cold at all so make sure the room in it's in doesn't get cold at night.  I'd also suggest misting it regularly to keep the foliage moist.  They are sensitive to fluoride in tap water and it can cause browning of the leaves so try using distilled water for misting and save rain water for watering.
    Brilliant thanks 😊
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