Question
I have a 9' yes 9 foot tree that was given to me when my grandparents passed I remember the tree as part of their living room since I was 9 that was about 30 years ago...any way how do I find out what type it is and the best care for it? I have noticed the tips of the long thin leaves turning yellow and dry. this tree has 16" narow maybe 5" wide leaves all the way up no branches. A single 2" center with green leaves.

Answer
Heidi,

It sounds like what is commonly known as a corn plant or Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig'. You can see a picture of one at this site: http://www.dracaena.com/JanetCraig.asp
This plant hates too much water and needs to get dry between waterings. The brown leaf tips are a sign of being kept too wet. It also hates city water with chlorine or flouride in it. If yours does you need to allow it to sit in an open bucket for 48 hours prior to using the water and the flouride and chlorine will dissipate and not hurt the plant. If you would like to know how to prune it to get it to branch out more and use the part you cut off to create another plant write again and I can give you instructions. Let me know what size pot it's in and I will tell you whether it needs repotted or not. It is better to wait until spring to repot unless it is really badly root bound. If this is not your plant email me a picture to [email protected]   Good luck.

Darlene