Question
Hi Will,

I have read your article and believed that you are able to help me to solve my plant's woos. I had brought a Dracanea Fragran and transfer it into a big dragron urn about 4 months ago. The plant was very heathly until last two month I begin noticing that the tips and the leaves had turned brown. I tried to cut the away and hoping that new leaves will appear, unfortunately it seems that it is not getting any better. I had put the plant in my living hall with only downlights available. I was told to water the plant twice a week. But I did notice that the soil get very wet whenever I water the plant. Now instead of twice weekly, I watered only once a week. What could be the possible cause for the dying leaves? I need your expertise advice and help before my poor plant goes bald, thanks! Any advice would be really  appreciated!



Thank you & Best Regards
Olivia

Answer
Hi Olivia,

You have some big problems here. Most likely because you were given poor advice.

First, Dracaena fragrans have small root systems that are at high risk for root rot when they are moved into larger pots. Typically it takes several months for the symptoms of root rot to show up.

Twice weekly watering is easily twice as often as your Dracaena should be watered, even if were in the smaller pot.

The combination of too large a pot and waterig too frequently certainly point in the direction of roots that have rotted and are causing the leaves to die.

Unfortunately, it may already be too late. So I don't want to mislead you. If you are bold, you can unpot your plant and remove all loose soil that is not bound together by the roots. If there are few healthy roots, then toss the plant. Otherwise, move the plant into the smallest pot that the slimmed down rootball will fit into snugly. Then wait until the top quarter of the soil is dry to the touch before watering.

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]

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