HELP, my Dracena plant is losing several leaves a day.
by
Marge
+13
I repotted it with Miracle-gro moisture control potting soil. It was real root bound, so I did cut a little of the root, to get it out of the pot. I'm using bottled or distilled water to water it, when it's dry. I read they don't like fluoride. I have it sitting above a dish of water( not in) for humidity. It's not near a register. It's sitting in front of the window facing north. No cool drafts. What else can I do? Did I use the wrong potting soil?
16 answers
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It depends on how much of the root you cut and where. That is the kind of potting soil I use for everything except succulents. Overwatering would be my guess.
Rebecca Hyle
on Dec 07, 2013
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Do you mist it everyday? I mist mine and I also recently transplanted mine and it dropped a few leaves as it settled into its new home. I would mist it and not have it sitting above the water. Hope that helps you!!!
Pamela
on Dec 07, 2013
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I did some research on this plant, and under watering or over watering could make the leaves turn brown and fall off. Also they like bright, indirect light but not direct sunlight. My guess would be that the watering is causing the problem. It could also be responding to being transplanted and may come out of it once it has adapted.
O'Donna Ramsey
on Dec 07, 2013
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I'm hoping that it is in transplant shock. I only water if it needs it. Thanks.
Marge
on Dec 07, 2013
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Good idea!
Marge
on Dec 07, 2013
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It was a root on the side of the pot. It was real hard to get out. My son had put it in a clay pot. It's actually his plant & he has left it here. Thanks.
Marge
on Dec 07, 2013
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Most likely is transplant shock. Is it back in the original spot before transplanting? Also,what type of Draceana? Don't use distilled water- no nutrients at all. The water in a saucer is not a bad idea, esp, when the heater is used more often in winter. Spray misting with water is also good. Since the new soil has fertilizer in it already, you won't need any additional in the mist. If the leaves are dropping without color change- like turning yellow or brown...It's most likely transplant shock esp. from cutting the roots. If the leaves are turning color and are either crispy or soft and wrinkley...that would probably be a watering problem- crispy- too little water and soft and wrinkly- too much.
Nancy Hinds
on Dec 07, 2013
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Dracena plants are very touchy. Transplant shock, put it back where it was, they don't even like being moved once you find the spot they like. Water it with regular water. Let it dry out some before you water it again and by all means do not let pets eat it or children handle it. The sap they say is like poison, another name for it is Dumb Cane. Any one who thinks I'm wrong please feel free to let me know,
Cheryl
on Dec 08, 2013
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I'm not sure the moisture-control potting soil is a good thing. If it is keeping the soil too moist you could be encouraging root rot.
Douglas Hunt
on Dec 08, 2013
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I believe it is "Dracena Marginata". I read online to use distilled or bottled water, they do not like the fluoridated water! I used bottled water. I did start misting it. I did move it from it's original spot, but I had to do that. Hopefully it will come out of it's shock. Thank you for your helpful input.
Marge
on Dec 08, 2013
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Mine is doing the same thing. It doesn't like being brought in for the winter but with 6 inches of snow on the ground I don't have much choice. I think they must get shocky easily.
Judy
on Dec 09, 2013
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HeI had one 2years ago and it kept losing its leaves so i cut it off and put it outside and said die! Guess what i brought the pot in and began watering it and surprise it is growing again! Now it is out of the sun and doing great with 2new canes and leaves are so shiny! I don,t think mine is dumb cane it is a corn plant I believe bot i will try watering it with the other water too later! I live in St,Charles, mo and you have to bring plants in to overwinter!
Mary Smith
on Dec 09, 2013
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Marge, don't stress to much over this and let it get happy where you have it now and just mist and water only when it is really thirsty. Talking sweetly to it might help too...:0)
Pamela
on Dec 09, 2013
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Hi, mine is the "Marginata. I think it is in repot shock. I don't know if the leaves will fill in again or not. Don't know much about it. I am in IL SO CAN't try the outdoors either. Thanks for your input.
Marge
on Dec 09, 2013
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Hi, Will the leaves fill in again? It's the Dracena Marginata?
Marge
on Dec 09, 2013
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You can use tap water if you let it sit out, no lid on the container, for at least 24 hours before using it to water plants. The leaves don't usually regrow, so you may end up with a bare area.
Lisa House
on Nov 11, 2015
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