Question
I own a 2 stalk Dracaena and one stalk died and I replaced it with 2 new stalks.  All seemed fine till a few weeks ago I brought it outside to clean it and it hasn't been right since.  Could I be over or under watering it?  One stalk died again.  All of the long leaves turned brown and died.  does that mean the whole stalk died too.  Is there a way to bring that stalk back to life if only the leaves die?  I had torn off a couple of the smaller leaves that were brown, could that have traumatized it.  I would like to have this tree grow to 20 ft.  like it's supposed to.  Please help my poor Dracaena grow big and beautiful.

Thanks, Katie

Answer
Hi Katie,

Most plants do not like to be messed with. Repotting, relocating, and disturbing the soil are all potentially traumatic for a plant.

I don't understand how you replaced the dead stalk. Were the replacements already rooted plants or did you insert them in the soil to develop roots?

The symptoms you describe can be from either keeping the soil too moist or from letting it get too dry. Not knowing what your watering routine is, I cannot say which it is.

A plant can survive the loss of all of its lower leaves except its newest growth. If that is dying, then that means the roots are no longer functioning and the stems cannot be salvaged.

Removing discolored leaves will not harm the plant so that is not the cause of your problems.

Corn plants do best in small pots, in porous soil, in bright indirect light. They should be watered thoroughly whenever the top third of the soil feels dry.

Unless you live in a greenhouse or have a conservatory, your corn plant will never grow to a height of 20 feet. Available light is a limiting factor. That is why outdoor plants grow much larger than indoor plants.

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]

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