Question

Unknown Plant   We have a house plant or tree and have no clue what it is and I am not really finding it online maybe some that kinda look like it but not sure-corn plant-. All it's leaves are at the top can we get it to grow more down it and how? Do you know what it is?

Watered maybe once or twice a week.
Pot size 1 or 2 gallon about 14 inches across top.
It's my mother in laws so not sure on the age she might have had it for 8 years or around there.
well water.
get evening sun if it even catches any at all.We did find out it will burn in the sun.

Answer
Dawn,

You have a Dracaena "Janet Craig" commonly known as a corn plant. You are keeping it too wet. It needs to dry out well between waterings. In the summer once a week is enough and in the winter every 2 weeks is enough. Insert a chopstick or a bamboo skewer into the soil and leave it there. When you think it may need watering pull the stick out and if it the top 6 inches is not dry wait for at least 2 days and check it again. Do not water if it is wet! Too much water rots the roots and causes it to drop lower leaves.  You are correct, it gets sunburned easily.

To get it looking much better go to Lowes or Home Depot and get a small bottle of Rooting Hormone. This is a great time of year to do this.  Cut the top of the plant off just above the 4th leaf from the bottom using sharp scissors or a knife. Dip the bottom of the stem into the rooting hormone and insert it in the soil beside the original trunk. Then cut it off again about 4-6 inches below the lowest leaf. Also dip that cutting into the rooting hormone and insert it into the soil in a triangle from the other cutting and the original plant. Both cuttings will grow new roots and continue growing. That pot is plenty big enough for 3 plants and this plant is both prettier and healthier with 3 plants per pot. The trunk left of  the original plant will grow a new top and stay leafier if you make sure that the plant dries out well between waterings it should not drop more leaves. It does not like water with fluoride or chlorine in it but since you are watering from a well it should not be a problem.  If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene