problems with Dracaena marginata??

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by mirky, Apr 12, 2007.

  1. mirky

    mirky Member

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    Pardon me as the "amateur gardener" (ie, 2 houseplants)...

    I believe I have a Dracaena Marginata ("a spidery, leafy palm tree like plan") and have had it in healthy condition in the same living environment for the last 6 years. About 2 weeks ago, I noticed one morning that a few of its leaves had dropped, which of course is as per norm. But, this trend has continued almost every day and the trunk/ branches seem to be soft. Is this plant "sick"? If so, can it be stopped so that it does not die? Is it too late??

    thanks for your help!
     
  2. markinwestmich

    markinwestmich Active Member

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    Two things come to mind. Bugs and/or soil-borne fungal infection. Without actually seeing the plant, but having experience with "sick" dracaenas, it is difficult to say.

    Indoor dracaenas are prone to spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects. Check the undersides of the leaves and base of the leaf stems.

    Soil issues are usually due to either 1) old, compacted soil in root-bound plants that gradually "suffocates" the roots or 2) overwatering causing root rot and/or excessive growth of soil fungi. There are others, but these two are likely the most common.

    Any little gnats or other little critters in and around the soil?
     
  3. mirky

    mirky Member

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    THanks - I wondered if I overwaterred it as there is some white "mouldy" looking clumps on the soil and I do not see any signs of pests. Unfortunately, I think it's on it's way out now as I think repotting it would not contribute to an overhaul of the plant. I wondered if there was something (power fertilizer?) I could buy to feed it that would help it bounce back or kill whatever's killing the plant.
     

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