Help with a dracena magenta

Hi all,

We have a dracena magenta that's looking abit worse for where. Can somebody advise what's wrong with it and how to sort it?

Regards
James

 

It looks as if the ends of the leaves have all been chopped off, and the shorter trunk looks as if the whole top has been chopped or broken off. The cut leaves won't re-grow their pointed ends. It should grow new leaves from the top/centre of each branch as long as it's in good condition, and possibly new shoots from the side of the broken/chopped trunk.

Generally I find Dracena marginata to be a pretty tolerant houseplant, but some things to check:
1. Drainage and watering. Make sure its pot has drainage holes, they're not blocked and it's never left in standing water. That will rot the roots. Let it dry out down to the depth of your finger between watering (might be hard to check with those stones on top - and on that subject, check what they are - I don't know whether dracaena tolerates lime or not, but if they are limestone they could be leaching into the compost).
2. Light levels. I find they're not too fussy, but not deep shade and maybe not burning hot direct sun all day. Somewhere fairly near a window is good, not tucked into a corner.
3. Temperature. Again not too fussy, but like many of the things we grow as houseplants they are tropical so not too cold. And not close to radiators/heaters, or cold drafts in winter.
4. Physical damage. Make sure it's not getting brushed against, knocked, chewed by pets ((I used to have a cat who would go for mine any time he got the chance).
5. Humidity. Most houseplants prefer more than we generally like in our houses, but dracaena generally isn't particularly fussy.

 

@Jblakes , your plant looks a bit sad tbh, but now is excellent time to revive it.

I'd suggest to tip it out of the pot and check what the roots look like. Then re-pot in fresh houseplant compost into a pot with good drainage holes.

If the dead bit on the right is dead all the way, gently tease it out of the main clump.

A good wash of the leaves with mild dish soap solution to get rid of any dust, a good shower and a position in indirect but good light, and then just let it catch up with spring.

The plant might enjoy being lifted up from the floor while it's still small. That would give more even light.

Watering is important, @JennyJB 's finger method is in use also in my household. It's the only way to know how dry the compost actually is.

Good luck, let us know on how things develop