Why is my Dracaena Turning Brown?
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HELP!
I have this plant that my daughter sent to me two years ago. It had been doing OK but is now losing lots of leaves which are turning brown at the tips then the whole leaf turns and falls off. I recently replanted it and separated the roots in hopes that it would grow taller. Could it be in shock? I am not sure if I am over watering. Also I had inside for the winter then put it out in the spring (and it was doing well) Now I have had it both inside and outside. I live in Phoenix where the temp is now getting hot (112 degrees) Can you tell me what it is and where I should have it (inside or outside) as well as how much to water and what type of sunlight it needs.
Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Jeanette Brooks
July 3rd, 2007 at 8:15 am
Jeanette,
First, I believe the plant you have is a dracaena. If the roots were yellowish then it is a dracaena. If the roots are white it is a Cordyline. Either way the care is fairly similar. Both soggy and dry roots will cause leaf damage. When transplanting, I don't separate the roots. I do place the plant in a rich potting soil, making sure the new container is "half-again" as big as the old one. The key at this point is to completely saturate the new soil. From this point on you can keep the soil moderately moist.
Now as to your particular questions. Your plant is in shock and is showing signs of water stress. I'm not sure if it has too little or too much water. Check your soil — you want to keep the soil moist enough to roll into a ball but you shouldn't be able to squeeze water out of it. It takes about two weeks for water stress to present its self so it will take about two weeks to correct the problem. The key is to not go to the other extreme — keep the plant evenly moist.
As to temperature Dracaena likes to be kept above 64degrees in the summer and 50degrees in the winter. Dracaena enjoys light but not sun. Do not let the sun beat directly on the Dracaena but keep in a place with a fair amount of light.
July 4th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Jamie,
Thanks for your help. I will monitor the soil and try to keep it moist without over watering.
Jeanette