Question
QUESTION: My girlfriend bought me a beautiful plant for my b-day but I it hasn't been looking so good since she got it. It has brown leaves now and I don't over water I hope. I am hoping but not sure about this plants care but it's the most beautiful plant and I want it to grow forever so can you teach me the techiques to keep her healthy and happy.
THanks so very much. Julia

ANSWER: Julia,

I suspect your plant is Dracaena fragrans Massangeana commonly known as a corn plant. You can see pictures of it at this site : http://www.dracaena.com/dracaena-fragrans-massangeana.php

If that is not your plant let me know. If it is it needs to get very dry between watering. The soil needs to feel totally dry before you water again and it should never sit with any water in it's drain tray. This time of year it should be watered about every 7 to 14 days and in winter it will not use water as fast so then it only needs water every 14 to 21 days. It must get dry before you water again, as the roots need a breathing spell between waterings. It also cannot be watered with water that has chlorine or flouride in it so if you have city water that has that you either need to buy distilled water or leave the city water sit for 48 hours in an open bucket before using it to water your dracaena so the chlorine or flouride will dissipate into the air. Fertilize the plant once a month with a water soluable type fertilizer like Miracle Grow but skip January and February. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene

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

QUESTION: Thank you so very much for the plant info. You were right about the kind of plant it is. Besides the watering aspect what kind of tempratures will this plant stand and is it a house plant only or could it be a patio plant also. What kind of sun does it need also. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with others

Answer
Julia,

No, it is not a patio plant as it does not like sun. It needs light bright enough to read without turning lights on but no sun actually shining on it. As far as temperature, it will be be fine as long as the temperature is not over 100 degrees or under 50 degrees. It is happy sitting next to a north facing window or about 6 feet from a south facing window. If you have more questions write again. Good luck.

Darlene