Question
Hi Will,
I've been searching online for some help with my Dracaena. I inherited it about two years ago and it seemed to be doing very well until the last couple of months. I was out of town and I think my friend who came over to water the plants overdid it. The plant is about 5 feet tall with three large stalks, each with several branches.

Weeks ago, once I got back in town, I noticed that the leaves started yellowing on it and dropping off - about a dozen every couple days. It was really dramatic. After researching online, I decided to repot the plant. It has been in the same pot for probably 5 years and the roots were growing out of the bottom of the pot, so it seemed to be the right thing to do. The person at the gardening center talked me into getting some organic potting soil and out of getting anything to mix it with.

The repotting seemed to go well. I've repotted plants before - although not one quite so tall. The plant seemed happy for about a week and then the leaves started yellowing and dropping again. That seems to have slowed a bit now, but yesterday I noticed that the topsoil is covered in a gray/white mold!

So I've been doing more research and am not sure what to do. I could scrape off the moldy soil, but what's to prevent it from molding over again? I read about spraying it with a mixture of water and either hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or tea tree oil. I've also thought about buying a light and keeping it on the soil to heat the mold away. But I am hesitant to take any action for fear of making things worse, but I don't want the plant to suffer.

I really love this plant and want to see it thrive. I have lots of happy houseplants and have never lost one before. What would you recommend? Please let me know if you need more information.

Thank you so much,
Kathleen

PS - there are very very small bugs crawling around in the soil. They are not on the stems or leaves - just the soil. And two of the three stems seem to be getting a bit loose, needing support. Is it too late?

Answer
Hi Kathleen,

So much for the "organic" potting mix! In addition to being contaminated with fungus spores it is contaminated with insect pests. Such potting mixes may be appropriate for use outdoors, but indoor plants require sterile potting mixes such as I described in my previous reply. In removing all of the organic soil you will also get rid of the critters.

The loose stems is consistent with dying (rotted) roots. Plants require healthy and extensive roots to support the plant and keep the stems upright.

Yes, it is probably too late. Sorry.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at:
A link to HorticulturalHelp.com

or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com