Question
I have 2 indoor plants in my office- one is a dragon tree and the other has large spiky leaves that grow right off a thick stem (don't know the name). They are both suffering- the dragon tree dropped all its leaves off of one branch and the other plant has developed large black spots on its leaves. I have only watered these plants a few times in a month; soil is at a moderate moisture. They get very, very little light. I am trying leaving a full spectrum bulb on. Is there anything I can do? I don't know if it is about the light or perhaps air- the air doesn't circulate very well either.
Marian

Answer
Hi Marian,

The most important thing you can do when selecting plants is match the available light with the particular plant species.

Although plant retailers often claim that Dracaena marginatas (dragon trees) are low light plants, in fact they are medium light plants that require bright indirect, natural light.

I cannot be sure from your sketchy description, but I believe your other plant may be a Yucca. Yuccas require even more light than Dracaena marginatas.

So light is a problem for both of your plants. A full spectrum bulb will help some if it is left on directly over each plant for 10 hours per day. That can be very expensive and it really is not adequate to make up for the lack of natural light.

All you can do is to move your plants to brighter locations or replace them with low light plants, such as Dracaena 'Janet Craig,' or ZZ plats.

I have written an article on low light plants that I will send to you if you email your request to me at my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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