Question
I have noticed two stalks of my dracaena have turned yellow. I immediatly pulled off the few yellow leaves but they are still yellow. One stalk has a large black spot on it about 1 and a half inches long but the leaves are still green.In this area it is unusually soft.I have been keeping them all in just plain water with river rocks I bought.I normally use sink water or spring water for them. Please email me with any information you can provide me.


Answer
Hi Anne,

As a volunteer, I don't have your email address so I will have to answer your question here.

Is your Dracaena a Dracaena Sanderiana, aka lucky bamboo? If so, then here is what you need to know.

Lucky bamboo will live in water for a limited period of time before it starts to decline. The retailers never tell you this, but for long term health, you must move these rooted cuttings into a small pot with a damp potting mix before they start to decline.

If your tap water is on the hard side, then use filtered or distilled water.

If you have some other kind of Dracaena, let me know what you have.

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.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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