We purchased this tree from Ikea where it was healthy looking and seemed to thrive. Got it home and the leaves are turning brown and dropping off. I don't know what kind of tree this is. Please help identify and let me know what it's optimal conditions might be. These pictures were taken before we took it out of the plastic container and replanted it in the white pot it's seen sitting in. Thanks so much, we really hope we can bring this plant back to health.
normal growth pattern for draceana is that lower leaves die off and new growth appears at the top. the combination of taking it home and immediately repotting would bring on severe shock - it not only didn't have time to adjust to conditions in your home, you also disturbed the roots. if you repotted it in a container that has drainage holes and used the correct soil mix (cactus soil, bit of regular soil and a fair amount of perlite) then it should recover. i normally allow a plant at least a few weeks time to get adjusted to conditions in my home before thinking about repotting. i rarely repot immediately and i try to do it during the active growth period which is spring/summer (winter for some varities of succulents). it should be in a spot where it gets indirect light - if you brought it home from the store and put it in brighter light than it was used to, that would also cause leaf drop...back off the amount of light for a bit until it's adjusted to conditions in your home and then you can move it into a bit brighter spot - still shouldn't be in direct sunlight, though. watering should be done thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out down a couple inches - for that size container, you should not need to water more frequently than every 2-3 weeks. drainage holes are important 1) so excess water can work its way out so you avoid root rot 2) so that you know you've watered the soil well enough as once the soil in the container is completely moistened, the extra will start coming out the drain holes. i usually leave plants (especially those that like slightly drier conditions) in a plastic container and then i put that inside a nice decorative ceramic piece...then i can water it properly and remove the excess water so that no damage occurs to the roots. if it's something that likes REALLY dry soil conditions, i'll use unglazed clay (and then put that in a nice ceramic piece to cover the ugly orange...i don't like orange, ;) )
Joc, you do know you can paint the terra-cotta pots with tempera gouache without affecting their breatheability? I have a bunch of delft-blue ones I did that way.
Thanks all - we'll try to bring the big guy back to health now that we know what we are dealing with.
