Question
I've had a cane type plant for about 5 years. Every time it seems to stop growing, I've re-potted it (I just read that this is a mistake). The last time I re-potted was over a year ago. It is currently in a pot that has a top diameter of 22" and is 20" tall". It has four thick stalks coming out of the soil varying from 2 to 5 feet from the soil to where the leaves start to branch. The leaves are long, broad and a deep green. They spout from the inside and fall outward. It has always been a thick, lush plant but is now suffering. The leaves started to develop brown spots and are now turning completely brown and wilting badly. We have several houseplants in our apartment that are doing well, but this has always been my baby and it is killing me to see this problem and not know what to do. I don't know what kind of plant it is, but I would be happy to e-mail photos to you.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Leslie

Answer
Hi Leslie,

Your plant is a Dracaena massangeana cane or corn plant. The problem is that it is in a pot that is way too large. It should be in a 12" or 14" diameter pot.

All of the excess soil in the oversized pot retains moisture like a sponge and doesn't allow the soil to dry out soon enough. This deprives the rots of needed oxygen and they slowly rot.

Had you just recently repotted, downsizing it would be much easier. But after a year, the roots have probably traveled into many areas of the new soil and many of the roots have probably rotted.

Your best option is to gently unpot it and remove the excess soil around the outside so that it will fit into a 12" or 14" pot. This downsizing will stress the plant, so don't expect instant results. In addition, if most of the roots are already in poor condition, then recovery may not be possible.

A photo is always helpful.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.