Question

Dracaena fragrans 'Mas   QUESTION: Hi Darlene,

I have what I believe to be a Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' (2 trees). The tall tree is the original one that I bought (the smaller one died) and I found another small one to plant in it's place (the one you see in the picture). I assume the original small one died because it didn't reach down as far as the tall one and didn't get enough water (but I'm no expert).

I've noticed the last couple of months or so that the lower leaves on the tall one are drooping. I can't figure out if it's because it's gotten hotter (i.e. more sun) or if I've over/under watered it? Part of me is assuming I've somehow OVER WATERED it, because it reaches lower down in the earth than the small tree (which is not drooping). But I'm not sure, as the upper leaves are reaching out like the small tree? I'm so confused!

I also didn't realize that I could start a new plant with the leaves from my existing plant (which I've read in another answer). I'd like to do that so that I can have 3 plants growing.

昋uestion #1: How to stop the leaves from drooping?
昋uestion #2: How to start a new plant with existing leaves?

I look forward to you shining some light on the situation (no pun intended).

Thanks!

Marc

ANSWER: Marc,

The lower leaves on your plant do not look that "droopy" to me in your picture. They do hang lower but the main reason is they are larger and heavier so it is the nature of the plant. It should never be allowed to sit with water in the drain tray constantly. You should totally empty it an hour after watering. If you can't lift the plant you should use a turkey baster to empty the drain tray. It is not a swamp plant and cannot stand to sit in water constantly. You should also not be watering this plant with water that has chlorine and flouride in it. This plant hates chlorine and flouride. You can allow the water to sit in an open bucket for 24 hours and the chlorine and flouride will disipate into the air or you can use distilled water to water the plant. It does need to be thoroughly watered when you water it then you should be waiting at least a week in the summer monthe and 2 weeks during the winter before watering it again. It needs to dry out well between waterings. You can pick up a water meter at a garden center for $5-10.00 and use that to not water it until the meter reads into the dry area not just on the line.

The best way to start a new plant is by air layering. The instructions for  air layering are at this site: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM268.pdf
You don't just root a leaf you have to use the stalk also as the site shows. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info Darlene!

I realize from reading the instructions that I need to cut the stem completely. I'm not sure that I want to do that as I don't have any height issues at the moment. I just wanted to get a third tree going.

I read somewhere that I can pull some leaves out and put them in a glass of water to get roots? Maybe it's worth an experiment without completely cutting off a stem?

I also notice that almost ALL the photos I've seen of the Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana', there are yellow strips going down the middle of all the leaves, but mine are completely green. Is it because there are different varieties, or because mine has something wrong #because of fluoride for example#?

And lastly, if I were to get roots to start growing and plant the new stem successfully... what is the difference between having a tree with stems growing out of it #like what I have now#, and just a stem growing out of the earth?

Thanks again!

Marc

Answer
Marc,

Growing a plant from a leaf without a piece of stem will work for begonias and african violets, plants that grow from a crown and not from a stem. You are welcome to try it but  I will be surprised if you are successfull. If you are please email me a picture of your rooted plant. If you are successfull eventually there will be no difference, it will slowly grow a stem and additional leaves just like the parent plant. That is the beauty of growing a plant from a cutting. It becomes a clone of the parent and will have the same coloring and other characteristics as the parent plant. Growing plants form seed they can revert to being like some ancestor several generations ago, just like a child can look exactly like a great grandparent, I know, my son looks lik my grandfather's twin! But a plant from a cutting will be a clone of the parent plant. Fortunately I had a good looking grandfather! Good luck and let me know how it works out.

Darlene