Sick Marginata

I was given a previously healthy Marginata a couple years ago, 4-5 feet tall with 7 or 8 branches sprouting from a main stalk that is about 2" in diameter. It sits in a pot that is about 18" tall and 2' around. We have moved the plant around to various locations in the house, and the primary concern has always been finding the right amount of water to deliver.

Recently, I have noticed that several of the stalks that used to be about 3/4" around, have shriveled and shrunk to about half or less of their previous diameter, and feel somewhat crinkly, although the leaves are still green. The plant was right above a heat register, so I moved it away from that, but it has not responded right away. I am also noticing that the main trunk is wet for about the first 2" above the soil level.

I have not re-potted the plant since we have had it, so I can't say if it is root-bound or not. Do I need to re-pot it? Put it outside and let it dry out? Cut back the shriveled parts and let it save its strength for the other more vibrant stalks? All of the above?

 

Sounds like overwatering whats the drainage like?

 

I've actually never even worried about drainage. It's in a plastic pot that sits inside a nicer ceramic one.

 

Maybe you could add some pebbles to the bottom of the ceramic plant so it will drain better.

 

That is NOT recommended, according to the following article: The Myth of Drainage Material in Container Plantings.

 

Thanks for the info Junglekeeper did not know that : )