Question
Hi Will,

I bought a Dracena plant from Home Depot last night. There is not one of those little tags in the dirt that tells me how to care for the plant and now I am in need of your help. The plant has 4 stocks in the pot (it is still in little black plastic pot that I bought it in).  The heights range from 2ft - 5ft. It looks like the roots are starting to poke out of the holes at the bottom of the plastic pot.
My questions are:
How often should I water?
How long should I keep it in the black plastic pot before I re pot it in a bigger pot? any suggestions on potting soil or how deep to make the soil?
Is the plant okay at all temps or should I keep it a bit warmer in the house?
Oh, and I thought I heard that if one of the plants starts to die, I can cut off the top of the stock and it will grow back, true?
Sorry for all the questions Will, but all my house plants have always died on me, and I spent a bit more money on this one and I just love it.

Thank you so much for your help,
Michele

Answer
Hi Michele,

There are several plants in the Dracaena genus so I am not sure which you have. But I am guessing that yours is a Dracaena marginata with dark green leaves with a slightly reddish margin along the leaf edges. Let me know if I am wrong!

I don't recommend repotting at this time. Give your new plant a chance to adjust to its new environment. Any roots that are running out of the drainage holes can be trimmed off without harm to the plant.

Water your plant thoroughly and then wait until the top inch or so of the soil feels dry to the touch before you water again.

If you find that the soil dries out every couple of days, then you can consider moving it into a pot one size larger. Otherwise leave it as is.

If you do repot, use a peat-based soilless potting mix. Add an inch of soil to the bottom of the new pot. Add potting mix around the sides of the rootball and tamp it down in. Do not put any soil on top of the existing rootball.

Dracaenas do best in temps above 60 degrees although they will tolerate temps to 50 degrees. If you move it outside in the warmer months be sure to protect from any direct sunlight. Keep it in a shady location.

Any of the stems can by cut back at any time. New growth will the emerge from the stem just below where it was cut off.

Unnecessary repotting is the most common cause of plant failure. Overwatering is next, followed by improper light. If you can master those three elements, you will probably have future success with your plants. Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

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

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