Question
plant
Hi Will,
I recently inherited care of an office plant that I'd like to identify so I can learn how to properly take care if it. The picture is attached. Leaves are very narrow with pink edges, about 8-10" long, stems are slender and palm-like, just thicker than a pencil, and it is potted in a container with a 6" diameter and 6" depth.
Can you help?
In the plant pictured, one of the little "trees" is also rather droopy, the leaves are limp and slightly yellowing. The other plant in the pot looks great, so I'm at a loss as to what to do about the limp one. There was a stem shooting up with no more leaves on it that I cut off down to the soil. Might it be that that was sucking the life out of the droopy tree?
Many thank for any advice you can offer!
-Nicole
AnswerHi Nicole,
Your plant is a Dracaena marginata, so named because of the pink/red leaf margins.
The photo reveals that your inherited plant has not been very well cared for and even good care going forward does not guarantee success.
The weaker of the two remaining stems is already beyond recovery. You can let it die back on its own or you can cut it off at the base now.
The conditions that caused that stem and the one you already cut off to die are also likely to have a negative impact on the remaining stem. It is likely that the soil was kept too moist and root rot has set it. What I don't know is just how badly the remaining roots have rotted. If there are enough healthy roots remaining, then good care will keep that stem alive. If not, nothing you do will matter.
Your plant is fragile so don't repot it or disturb the roots in any way. Do remove and discard any loose soil from the top surface that is not in direct contact with roots. Place your plant on a sunny windowsill. Water it lightly only when the top quarter of the soil is dry. Do not fertilize it or do anything else. Good light and proper watering is all you can do and keep your fingers crossed that that will be enough.
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
