Tips on care & repotting of 100lb dracaena

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rattusses Middleton, WI Mar 20, 2009

I was gifted with a giant dracaena last fall, and it is a monster of a plant. It has three separate trunks, one of which has five separate branches growing from it. There are a total of 9 "heads," and it is around 7.5' high. I have a support line hanging from the ceiling, and have an elaborate system of other lines holding the plant in an attractive position. However, it is looking leggy, and needs some help.

It is also currently potted in a giant plastic feed tub, which I find aesthetically reprehensible in my living room. I haven't found any pots offered locally that will fit it, though! I am pretty sure that it is rootbound (though it's hard to tell since I can't lift the plant), and the dirt has become very hardened and there is salt buildup on the top (we have very hard water here). Did I mention that it's over 100lbs, and it took three people straining to move it?

It looks very healthy, though. I have tons of houseplants happily inhabiting my apartment, but I don't have any experience dealing with anything on this scale, so I am tentative about how to proceed with it. Any tips on repotting & care specific to a plant this size would be very helpful - I have spent a fair amount of time googling trying to find info pertaining to oversize houseplants and I haven't found much. Maybe someone should write an article. ;)

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XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Mar 20, 2009

If the plant is that large, it's probably pretty happy in the pot it's in. Repotting may not be the best thing for it. Topdress to add fresh nutrients. If you can't find a nice-looking pot to fit, try to come up with a creative way to decorate the one you have. Let your water sit out overnight-the will allow some of the chlorine and stuff to evaporate. A layer of charcoal can be added to 'sweeten' the soil-it helps filter out stuff.

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