Question
My Dracaena (Janet Craig Compacta) is not doing so well lately and I'm not sure why. I've had this plant about 10 years and had been a slow grower. The past 3 years or so it has shot up in height so I repotted it 2 years ago. It wasn't root bound but I put it in a much larger pot because I knew they could get to be a big plant.

For the last 5 months or so the bottom leaves turn brown and crispy. About halfway down some leaves have been turning yellow and fall off when touched so the stalk is getting bare. And, it wants to flop over instead of standing up straight. The top half of the plant is picture perfect.

It has always been in a shady spot in my dining room. I have not changed the water or feeing habits (small amount of Miracle grow every few months) so do not know what is going on. Help!!!

Answer
The 'shady spot' in the dining room may be the problem here.  Plants that do not get enough light -- all plants -- will 'stretch'; the stems over time are weakened, and eventually the trunk is not strong enough to support the rest of the plant.  So it falls over.  The Miracle Gro does not help -- the plant is pushed to grow but there is no Sunlight to support it; tissue is weak and frail.

Watering is a big issue for Dracaenas.  It is critical that the Soil not be allowed to get completely dry.  However, overwatering -- especially in conjunction with cool temps -- is equally damaging.  Dark brown patches, yellowing or curling of leaves, or the falling leaves that you describe, usually indicate excessive moisture.   INSUFFICIENT watering shows up as Browned leaf tips and lower leaves that dry up and drop off.  Sounds like you have a combination of problems.

Gradually give this poor, starving plant a better light situation.  But be careful.  Too much Sun too soon will tax it and burn the leaves, causing all kinds of additional problems.

Don't fertilize again until the plant is looking healthier.  Miracle Gro usually contains a lot of Nitrogen, for leaf growth; this is not good for a plant, which needs Phosphorous and Potassium as well as sufficient light to grow.

Water by drenching the soil and allowing it to drain.  Don't water again until the Soil is dry to the touch.  If you have central heating, see what you can do to provide humidity through the year.  Most important, though, is light.  This is a Green Plant and it needs to make Energy with Sunlight.  Too little of that, and it will never be healthy.

Keep me posted please.  And if you see any insect symptoms, drop me a note.  Good luck with your new watering and lighting techniques.