hi guys!
I'm completely new to the plant world, and have no clue what I'm doing, I got this tree about 4 weeks ago and it's not looking so hot, I'm not even sure what the name of it is. It stays in this area all the time and the blinds stay just like this at all times. what do I do to get this plant healthy again?
I think it is a 'Corn Dracaena', Dracaena fragrans, but the picture is a bit blurry.
In what way is it not looking so good?
Overall, they are quite forgiving of a wide range of care.
They appreciate fairly good light, but do not need direct sun, and can tolerate somewhat lower light.
Deep soak when the soil is getting a bit dry, do not keep it wet all the time.
They do not need a lot of fertilizer, but a little bit now and then would be good.
They do not mind being in a small pot, until it reaches the point that they are getting knocked down. Then a larger pot would make the plant more stable, and give it just a little more root room.
I had one in a 4 inch pot(One iez larger than the one it came in) and had it in a West facing window. It got little ight due to the small windo, yet stayed wonderful and the colors remained crisp. It now sits in my livingroom with a bit more light, and a steady water supply.
Yes, you have a dracaena massangeana, commonly called corn plant.
I can't really see from the pic what's wrong with it, but I'm guessing it is getting brown on the tips of the leaves - this is the most typical problem people have with them. The brown tips come from keeping the soil too wet.
Also, you always need to consider light. Mass canes can take low to medium low light, but in order to stay healthy, they still need that minimum. It looks like your plant is located by a blind with a big window behind it, so there should be enough light. Can you read a book in the spot where the plant is? If you can, there's enough light for a low light plant.
The secret to keeping a plant in low light is to allow the soil to get almost dry all the way to the bottom of the pot. You can use a wooden skewer to test the moisture level. When the soil moisture is nearly gone, you can water again. If the light is a little higher, you can let the soil have a little higher moisture level before you water.
Here's a link to some videos that might help you understand soil moisture, and how to test it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBBh0RPPqu0
When you water, you should water enough that you get a run off from the plant. Do you have drainage holes in the bottom of that pot? If you don't, (and until you get it into a pot with drainage,) it is super important that you test the soil in the bottom of the pot before you water.
Plants in the home are a wonderful thing, and not difficult if you learn a few simple things. Take the time to do some research, don't be afraid to experiment, and enjoy.
Yes! you are exactly right Ficuswrangler, they are getting brown at the tips, and kind of shriviling up, you solved our problem because I was keeping the soil wet at all times, however, when I bought the plant at home depot, the guy suggested some mircale grow that would help prevent overwatering, and so I bought some. How does that come into play?
and thank you everyone, I really like this plant and I don't want to see it die on me.
I saw this brain-washing on Today show Thursday or Friday. MG soil itself is the #1 cause of overwatered plants, from what I read. Business likes to market a weakness as a positive but don't fall for that. Peat (which comprises the bulk of MG soil) holds onto moisture forever, which is bad, until it's suddenly so dry that water won't soak in (hydrophobic) which is bad too. It's never good. If you follow FW's instructions, your plant should do OK in it for a year or two though. In the future, don't ask for plant advice at HD, L's or WM.
Dracaenas are also sensitive to tap water chemicals. If you can catch some rain water for your plant, at least occasionally, it will really appreciate it. Other good options are distilled or the condensation from a dehumidifier or A/C.
http://extension.psu.edu/pests/plant-diseases/all-fact-sheets/dracaena-diseases
thank you purpleinop, i even asked that guy if tap water was going to be harmful and he says, oh no it'll be fine don't worry. Should have known someone working in a chain store like that wouldn't know what he's talking about. rainwater will be easy, I live in florida, and everyday at around 3 we get rain in the warmer months, so I'll start doing that.
