Problem Dracaena marginata . . .

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NJIrisGuy Toms River, NJ(Zone 7a) May 04, 2015

I have a Dracaena marginata in my living room. I bought the plant in Home Depot. It had 3 canes. Initially the problem was the tips of all of the leaves were turning brown. All I kept doing was clipping off the brown tips to the point where there were no leaves left on the plant. Ugh. Now one of the canes literally dropped all of its leaves, so I just cut off the cane.

I don't know what to do for this plant. I have never had such a difficult Houseplant, and I grow Orchids!

What does this plant want? Wet? Dry ? Full Sun? Geeeeeesh.....

Post #10066906
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tapla Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) May 04, 2015

..... pot have a drain hole? If you're watering while you can still detect moisture in the soil, it's likely a root issue - either disease or impaired function due to over-watering and lack of O2. The plant hates wet feet, so a fast draining, well-aerated soil makes life with dracaena a lot more rewarding. To a very large degree, your soil choice determines who has control of the plant's well-being - you or the soil. Other possibilities are a high level of dissolved solids (salts) in the soil, or a fluoride toxicity (never goes away because the effects of fluoride are accumulative). The plant shouldn't go completely dry, but if there is a choice between completely dry and watering while the soil is still moist - go the completely dry route every time.

What I use for all my houseplants, including succulents: see pic below.

Al

Thumbnail by tapla
Post #10067357
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NJIrisGuy Toms River, NJ(Zone 7a) May 05, 2015

Thank You for your reply. I have never repotted this dracaena. It is still in the original soil it came in. I need to repot it. I will look for better potting soil to use this time, if it is worth saving.
I like your choice of soil - it looks like what I have used to pot up some of my orchids awhile ago.

Post #10067743
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purpleinopp Opp, AL(Zone 8b) May 06, 2015

Dracaenas are also sensitive to tap water chemicals. Whenever possible, try to give your plant rain water, distilled, or condensate from a dehumidifier or A/C.

Post #10068192
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