Question
I wanted to ask a question about my dracaena.  It was doing fine until I moved.  Had no other way to transport it but in a open trailer tried to protect the leaves with a plastic bag but during to move (intown) the bag ripped off and the leaves were exposed to wind so got it home and it looked horrible the leaves were shredded.  Today since the leaves look brown and dried I cut it back to good green..is that good or bad?  I don抰 know if it will survive.  What can I do to save it?

Answer
Dear Sharon,

What a shame that your Dracaena had to go through the shock of moving house al fresco although obviously you did your best to protect it.

Yes you did well to cut off all the brown bits - they are no good to man or beast!  

I wonder what type of Dracaena it is.  I have two growing happily at home - one is D.deremensis bausei in my south facing kitchen which has lots of natural bright light.  The leaves are broad and striped green and cream.  It has suffered quite a lot over the years when I have forgotten to water it but always bounces back after I water and feed it, sponge the leaves, cut off the brown bits and talk encouragingly to it.  The other one is a D.marginata tricolor which is in my east facing sitting room.  This one started off as a single plant but after several years I noticed a little shoot appearing through the earth which was very exciting!  I love the colouring of this plant, green, cream and pink. Eventually the lower leaves wither and drop off but new ones are constantly growing from the top on both plants.

Some varieties grow better in shade others like good light but for all of them you should keep the compost moist, reduce watering in winter but don't let the compost dry out.  Leaves should be misted and/or sponged regularly and repotting is usual every two years although I have to admit I have never repotted mine as they seem to be thriving! Perhaps if I did they would do even better!

I am sure your plant will recover once it has settled into an ideal place in your new home.  A bit like humans really - I have just moved into a different bedroom in my apartment and it has taken about two weeks for me to adjust!

Good Luck,  Diana