Question
QUESTION: Why won't my plant grow? I don't know if its getting enough light.  What would help it grow?  I've got a pretty big pot for it. thanks for the help.

ANSWER: Hi Severyn,

Indoor potted plants require patience.

Your Dracaena massangeana will do best close to a window where it is protected fro the direct rays of the sun falling directly on the leaves. Right in front of an uncovered north window is best. Proper light is the most important determinant of growth.

A pot that is too large discourages plant growth as the plant puts its energy into filling the new pot with roots first. If you repotted your plant, then that is an important reason why it is not growing more. You may need to undo your potting and move it back to its original pot.

When properly potted, a corn plant should be watered only when the top quarter of the soil feels dry to the touch. Watering too frequently will cause the roots to rot and the plant will die.

Fertilizer will not help.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]
  


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

QUESTION: would 11" pot for my plant with the trunk being 11" inches high to big?  And for the plant is it ok if the plant is only getting a couple of leaves with undirect sunlight coming from the north?
         Kindest regards...Severyn

Answer
Without a photo of your plant and without knowing how many canes your plant has and how tall they are, I cannot tell you the proper sized pot. I can tell you that the pot that it was in from the nursery was the right sized pot.

Right in front of a north window that is uncovered throughout the day is a perfect location. That is bright indirect light.

~Will