I received a Dracaena Massangeana Cane from my partner last February; she unexpectedly passed away the next day. I thought I had lost it in a freak freeze last May (I forgot I had left it outside) but I couldn't bear to part with it so I kept it around anyway. Around last November/December some new leaves start to sprout. There were two canes in the original plant, one of which has completely died and has been removed. Now I just have one cane about 2 feet tall with 4 leaves sprouting from the base. The cane itself looks pretty rough- the bark is peeling and one of the leaves growing at the base is browning. I really, really want this thing to survive but I am a complete idiot when it comes to plants (I have killed both cacti and jade plants before). What should I do?? I know nothing about when to fertilize or repotting or even what constitutes a "medium" watering. I would like to repot it in a more attractive container but I don't know when I should do this or what kind of soil to put it in. Any pointers from anybody? I'M DESPERATE!! This plant means a great, great deal to me and I want it to make it. Thank you!
if you could post a pic, that would be helpful as there might be a bug infestation going on. basic care for draceana is a very well-draining soil in a container that has drainage holes. water thoroughly and then let the soil dry before watering again. i use cactus soil for mine and i water from below until the top of the soil is moistened. to water from below, set the container in a dish or bowl and fill that with water. let it sit until the water is soaked up and then add more water. continue until the top of the soil is moist. let the excess water drain out and remove it. i keep most of my plants in plastic pots with drain holes or unglazed clay with drain holes - so i can water from below. i keep the pots in larger nicely decorated painted pots to hide the ugly containers. most of the succulents and cacti go in unglazed clay and everything else goes in plastic.
