Question
I bought a dracena plant at the grocery store the other day and bought a big ceramic pot to put it in.  According to one of your previous answers, that is not a good idea, right?  It is in such a little pot from the store, how can it grow if it stays in there?  Mine is like the one you described, long slender pointed leaves with red around the edges.  It has been coaxed to have curved limbs and is over 15" tall.  Thanks for your advice.

Sincerely,
Sandra Mason

Answer
Hi Sandra,

Yes, not a good idea to repot your new Dracaena marginata, especially into a big pot. Plants actually grow best when they are quite potbound. If they are put into a pot that is too large, most of their energy goes into filling the larger pot with more roots at the expense of stem and leaf growth. More importantly, a pot that is too large will promote root rot and that will kill the plant.

Of course, that does not mean a plant should never be repotted. If you water your plant thoroughly and the soil is dry enough to water again withing 3 days or less, then you can consider moving it into a pot one size larger. Dracaena marginatas are particularly vulnerable to root rot, so be very sure it really needs up-potting before you do it.

Ceramic pots often do not have draiange holes so plants should never be potted directly into them. Instead set the plastic nursery pot with holes inside of the ceramic planter and place Spanish moss over the top to fill in the space. After watering, check the bottom of the ceramic pot to make sure no water is accumulating there.

Your marginata will grow best if it kept moderately potbound and you keep it close to a sunny window. Water it only when the top half inch of the soil feels very dry. Fertilize it sparingly at half strength no more than once per month. It is light, not pot size, that controls growth rate.

I have written an article on repotting that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

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

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com