Monday, May 11, 2009

Is my Dracaena Marginata technically a palm?

no, it only resembles one.

Is my Dracaena Marginata technically a palm?
No, it is a grass, like corn.

loops

My dracaena plant has reached the ceiling. What can I do now?

It used to be just a few inches tall a few years ago. That thing grows really fast

My dracaena plant has reached the ceiling. What can I do now?
I would make a slit PART WAY thru the stem at the point you would like to encourage a new branch to sprout. When it has produced sufficient leaves to be somewhat attractive on it's own, cut the rest of the way through the stem and root the top in sand, then poke it into the pot along with the parent plant.





I'm making an assumption that your plant has only one growing stem. If it has multiples, just lop if off, root the top, and be on your way.





Good luck!
Reply:Just cut the stem about 1/2 down. It will start a new growth out the side and shoot up again!


I replanted my dragon tree (Dracaena). I've noticed that it will not stand tall any more - what happened?

King Arthur has been about again!!!!! he's topped the sodding thing.

I replanted my dragon tree (Dracaena). I've noticed that it will not stand tall any more - what happened?
Sounds like the soil is not packed enough around the roots, or you may want to use a bamboo stick or wooden dowel to help it stand until the soil is firm enough to hold it up.
Reply:You had a dragon tree? wow. I thought they were rare?, maybe you should have left it.
Reply:moving plants disturbs them and makes their roots go to sleep for a while, so they don't take up water no matter how much you give them, but water still evaporates from the bits left above ground especially in sun/wind. If you notice that it seems to be better first thing in the morning when its had no sun on it, then you need to give it some shelter/shade until its roots start taking up enough water again.
Reply:u killed it.
Reply:SOME FORMS OF THE DARGON TREE STARTS TO GET "LAZY" AND SPIN AROUND AND BEND A LITTLE. YOU DIDNT KILL IT. ALL YOU NEED IS A STAKE IN THE PLANT AND TIE THE TRUNK TOGETER AND IT WILL BE FINE.





ALSO ADD SOME MIRACLE GRO PLANT FOOD. IT WORKS REALLY WELL
Reply:too much water.... this causes the trunk to soften and the plant can't hold up the weight of the leaves on top of the stem....
Reply:Possible causes include;


Over potting,using too large a pot.Ideally move up to the next size when re potting.


Insufficiently firmed into the new compost.


Replanted "proud" of the new compost.The existing soil ball should be level,or slightly lower than the new.


Replanted slightly out of the vertical.


The plant roots may not have yet extended in to the new compost.


Try staking the plant with a cane and twine,avoid over watering but keep the compost moist.
Reply:wow


Dracaena plant shedding too many leaves?

I have had the plant for 3 years and so far it has always been thriving. Recently though it has started to turn leaves yellow and they eventually fall off, around two a day! Please advise if you know what the problem might be. THX

Dracaena plant shedding too many leaves?
several things out grown its pot. look for insects, needs other nutrients. if its inside place in a low light outside this will help in a lot of ways. Fresh air and new light source is also good. plus this will help to wash of dust . they have pours like us too just give it some time .
Reply:have you moved your draceana plant around the house recently? the dracaena plant likes to be in the same place all the time, also out af draughts.many years ago i had one in my office for some years and during that time it grew about two feet. I finaly took it home and it imediatly started dropping leaves as yours is doing. usualy as the new growth apears a few of the older leaves will go but not to many at a time.
Reply:I think they need repotting
Reply:Sounds like you may have a vine weevil problem. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and check the roots for damage. Look for vine weevil grubs - they are like fat white maggots with dark heads. If you find these, kill them and re-pot in fresh compost.
Reply:A very good source for your plant.. Hope you check it out.
Reply:the advise that seems to mark the problem is to much water, alot of plants dont like sitting in water, just water it from the top and enough to moisten the soil, I also just the Jobs fertilize spikes in my plants every three month, if you have moved the plant in a different location. it also might not get enough light as before
Reply:Try repotting it and adding fertiliser.


Also, try not to water the plant unless you have touched the soil first; leaves can go yellow if the roots are too dry or wet. Only water if it is starting to get dry.


I bought tall (5ft) Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena) and it is in a vase with water. Why does it smell/have a film?

You need to change the water in the vase once a week, and once a year, pull it out and trim all the dead and mushy roots from the bottom. You should also go to the nursery, and get some Lucky Bamboo Fertilizer. It needs to get nutrition from somewhere. Byee

ice skates

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata 'Colorama') not doing well. Can you help?

I have a dragon tree (Dracaena marginata 'Colorama') which is not looking very healthy. I can't tell if I am over- or under-watering, or if its getting too much or not enough light. Everytime I water it, a few leaves go brown and drop within a few days. The tips have also turned brown. I have had this plant for a long time, and it is only in the last year that it has looked like this... Please help!

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata 'Colorama') not doing well. Can you help?
Well, I'm not expert, but I've lost a couple with similar description and its seems to be more an issue of lighting. They really want bright, warm light either for at least 1/2 the day. I had 3 trees in my master bedroom and during the summer, they set in full afternoon sun from about 1:30 to almost sunset and do well. Last winter, when decided to seal my bedroom window and kept the shades shut. The filtered light just wasn't enough and 2 of the 3 were dead before March.





You do want to watch the watering though too. I seem to get the best growth if I let the planter go dry (about 2" inches down on a 12" planter) and then give them a good soak. Usually watering once a month (twice during the heat of summer) like this and they just thrive.


Dracaena fragrans massangeana?

my corn plant in my office stinks like moist soil. there' s no moisture or condensation on the plant or in my office. i have sufficent space. why does it stink so bad? i thought these corn plants doesn't have a scent?

Dracaena fragrans massangeana?
If the plant itself stinks, it may be because the canes are rotting... other than that, I can't think of a reason why the plant would smell. Press on the cane (like you're going to pinch it) at several points, it should be hard to the touch.





Now, if it isn't rotting, the smell has to be coming from the soil. Is their decorative moss on the soil surface? had there been, and now it's removed? maybe pushed down around the sides of the pot? Moss can smell as it decomposes.





Has the plant ever been transplanted? Most potting soil is what we call "soilless mix", that is, it's mostly sphagnum peat. Some mixes might smell. Sphagnum peat holds quite a bit of water. Be sure to allow the soil to dry completely between watering's for a month or two. That might help reduce the smell. Use a butter knife or spoon to dig into the soil an inch down to see that it's dry.





Don't spray the soil or plant with any commercial air scents. You can use them in the proximity of the plant, just not directly on it. An air freshener might be the only solution.





Good luck


I hope that this helps
Reply:You will probably find that the plant maintenance guy is using a liquid fertilizer - the fish based ones really stink for a few days after application.


I was reading a book on houseplants, and it said that marginata dracaena plants should not be planted perlite.

I thought that Perlite was only qadded to soil to keep it kind of moist. Will my margined dracaena plant die if is has perlite in the soil?

I was reading a book on houseplants, and it said that marginata dracaena plants should not be planted perlite.
I think you have the wrong idea what Pearlie does. It is added to the soil to loosen up hard sandy soil or heavy peat soil. The reason is to add air to the soil moderately and assist drainage.


Keeping this in mind the dracaena must like its feet a wee bit damp. Like it may be salvaged from a swampish area of the world? Does it explain what to use when transplanting a crowded plant into a bigger pot? That should give you a clue, as well as the watering / feeding schedule. I would get a recipe card and on side 1 out what to do for the plant on the other what not to do,


endangerment to the health.


If I cut off a dracaena branch and put it in water, will it root? Or are there other ways to root it?

I've had the best results with air layering. I'm going to give you a link because it's just one heck of a lot of typing to explain it and the pictures help if you've never done it before.





http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/exten...

If I cut off a dracaena branch and put it in water, will it root? Or are there other ways to root it?
A dracena is essentially a woody-stemmed plant; it will not root in water, but will simply rot. Instead, try the following:





Get a small packet of rooting hormone powder from your local nursery. Prepare a pot with new soil, possibly "lightened up" with a bit of perlite - but usually a good potting soil will do nicely. Make a fresh cut off the end of the stem, and dip the cut stem in to the rooting powder. Push the stem well down into the soil, and firm the soil around the stem (you may want to support it for a while by tying it to a stick pushed far down into the soil so it doesn't topple over). Keep the soil evenly moist, give it plenty of light (bright, but not direct sunlight), and your dracena should have new roots in no time. Don't feed it for a couple of months, or until you're sure it has roots.





You can use this method with lots of woody-stemmed plants like dracenas, ficus plants, and even rose bushes (great way to get a cutting from a favorite plant or one that you admire belonging to a friendly neighbor). Enjoy.
Reply:Put the tip in hormone powder, this will help it to grow as well.
Reply:I don't know but don't throw it away until it is rotten. I believe a dracaena is one of those plants that you tie a cup around and fill with that planting medium. You keep it wet and the roots will form around a joint. When it is well rooted you snip the branch off. It will form more stems and you have a new plant. The planting medium may be a professional term for a particular product but I simply use spahgum moss, miracle grow dirt and whatever else strikes me as ok. If it will be outside and dry out quickly I put in more dirt and sand so that it will retain its moisture. So my less than professional explanation is anything you need to start the plant rooting.
Reply:Air layer = wrap wet sphagnum moss around the stem. Cover with plastic wrap (saran) and twist tie. When you see roots, cut below the moss and plant.





Rootone is the rooting hormone you dip the cut end in then plant in soil. Place pot in zip type bag, seal. When you see new leaves you have roots.





Dracena will not root in water.
Reply:you might try some rooting medium in the water, or dipping the cut ends of skinny branches in rooting medium and then planting them. best of luck.

skates

Does anyone have any tips or ideas for rooting a dracaena?

Use a rooting hormone like IBA. That will rpmot root growth. Especially root hairs which are the most important. You can buy it at most garden centers.

Does anyone have any tips or ideas for rooting a dracaena?
Rooting hormone keep warm and moist


Is it ok to grow a small dracaena, dieffenbachia, jade plant, and my heart plant in the same planter?

I wouldn't. I've rarely seen a mixed planter of houseplants that looked good over a long period of time. Actually, I think they turn ratty looking. And the jade plant (crassula) is a succulent, requiring less water than the other 3.





An alternative would be to keep them in individual pots and set them all withing a larger container or basket. Allow the "heart plant" (philodendron) to grow around the tops of the other pots so they are not so obvious.





That way, if one croaks, you can always pick up another plant and pop it in to replace the dead one.


Good luck!

Is it ok to grow a small dracaena, dieffenbachia, jade plant, and my heart plant in the same planter?
No, they require different light levels,ie, the jade plant needs more light than the other 3. Also their growth habits differ enough they'd look kinda goofy together. The jade would be best by itself, it's really pretty when it gets full. With the other 3 you could plant some ivy around the base of them, or like the jade, they are pretty by themselves.
Reply:yes because they all have similar watering needs. It sounds pretty too.


How do I cure brown leaves on my Dracaena plant?

Am using plant indoors. Slightly sunny spot.

How do I cure brown leaves on my Dracaena plant?
Dracaenas like a minimum of 55F and light shade. No direct sunlight. They need to be kept moist at all times, so do not let them dry out. Also, do not let them sit in water, as this will cause root rot and will kill them. Unless your house is humid, you will need to mist the leaves regularly. They will need to be repotted every two years. They do need fertilizer. You can use a slow release pelletized fertilizer (like osmocote) that will release everytine you water or some powered stuff you add to water every 3 weeks or so. Just make sure you READ THE LABELS on fertilizers and follow the directions!


Brown leaves are caused by either too little water, the temp being too cold or by dry air. Keep it away from drafts (like heat/ac vents) and chilly windows. When you water it, put it in a sink and let the water drain fully before placing it back in it's dish. You may try using distilled or spring water if you are using city water. Chlorine isn't all that great for plants.


I hope this helps!


My Dracaena is getting slightly brown tipped leaves? How do I help it?

We bought it at BJ's about 2 months ago and is a nice looking tree, about 4 feet with 4 stalks.


I water it usually every end of the week. Should I be watering it twice weekly?


How often to put in Miracle Grow liquid? Once a month?


Thanks!

My Dracaena is getting slightly brown tipped leaves? How do I help it?
The could be a sign of overwatering it. Dracaenas do not need a wet soil. Overwatering actually will cause the same symptoms as underwatering. This happens because roots rot off and reduce the plants ability to take in water. Now you have a large top plant with few roots, so the leaves start to die.





You could also try waterering it with purified water. Sometimes the salts and chlorine in tap water can accumulate and cause the plant to act as if its drought stricken.





Ferilizer should be used sparingly. One other thing to check is the quality of the plant mix. Often plants sold in large stores are potted in the cheapest possible soil.

running shoes

I usually kill every plant I buy. I just bought a lucky bamboo, {dracaena} help me not kill it also?

The plant is in a ceramic pot filled with tiny rocks. Should I fill it with water or just barely damp the stones????HELP

I usually kill every plant I buy. I just bought a lucky bamboo, {dracaena} help me not kill it also?
Draceana plant is very hardy. If your lucky bamboo is in a pot without drainage hole, just make sure that there is enough water in the pot. If the pot has a hole, take your pot in the sink and water until soaking wet, let it stop dripping, then take it back to where you have it located. Do this at least once a week, more often during summer, less often during winter.


For better Feng Shui, Lucky Bamboo will improve the flow of Chi. Place the plant on the East side of the house, and/or the left back corner of the office, cubicle, or living room when facing from the door. It should be in a bright area, but not in direct sunlight. Enjoy your plant and good luck.
Reply:If it is indeed a bamboo, then put water almost to the top of the stones. Be sure that it gets plenty of light, but NOT direct sunlight. Give it a bit of fertilizer from time to time; use quarter-strength fertilizer that mixes with water. Do not try to use fertilizer stakes - they will dissolve and kill the plant.
Reply:Just damp it regularly, don't over water. Good luck, lets hope the 'lucky' bamboo lives up to its name.
Reply:Hi, I think the main thing is NOT to overwater it. I had a beautiful bamboo that rotted and died because I, unfortunately overwatered it. I was really bumbed about it. Good luck with yours !
Reply:barely damp the stones will do. they don't require much care. you can just water it once a week. i had one before but i forgot to remove it from the house when i tent up the house for termite and the Terminix poison killed all my plants. :(
Reply:Well, my friend bought one for each of us. Both plants died. I am usually good with plants. Despite what "oriolesr" with the degree in horticulture says, we killed them. THEN someone told her not to water them with tap water. ALWAYS use distilled water. She did and without fertilizer her plant is twice as big as when she bought it and growing like a weed.
Reply:put it in the bathroom, the steam from showers will help it grow... also i fill mine with water till the top of the stones
Reply:kill it
Reply:Fill up the ceramic pot with water and don't put any more.let the water evaporate. Water it after three days depending on how fast the water evaporates. Make sure the bamboo gets natural light, but not to much.





PS: Place a dollar under the ceramic pot, the more the bamboo grows so will your luck and most likely your income, believe me it works and my lucky bamboo keeps growing, so is my luck.





Good Luck
Reply:Bamboo is very easy to keep alive. yes all you need is to keep the bottom filled with water. Change the water every so often.. like twice a month. I had a small plant that lasted 3 years. You dont need any fertilizer or anything just plain tap water


What is the best way to care for a Dracaena marginata? (light, watering, etc.)?

I bought one of these today at a greenhouse and it did not come with care instructions - it is still pretty small and I want it to last for a while!

What is the best way to care for a Dracaena marginata? (light, watering, etc.)?
here is a link to a great site that will tell you all about it...





http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plant...


I have one too, thanks for the question because it led me to find out this info as well!
Reply:Agreed - best answer! Thanks again! Report It

Reply:Water it from the bottom (have a small basin under your plant. Only water it when it is nearly dry as watering can kill alot of plants that is over watering and the leafs turn yellow!
Reply:RoundUp


How can I tell if I have a real bamboo plant or if it's a Dracaena sanderiana "Lucky Bamboo"?

**Lucky bamboo is not a true bamboo. It is a Dracaena, which is in the ((lily ))family. True bamboo is much more hardy than this Dracaena.


http://www.bambooheadquarters.com/luckyb...


**Lucky Bamboo IS NOT of the corn family. Lucky bamboo comes from the LILLY family.


**Bamboo and corn is actually


from the same family which is the GRASS family.


http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entr...


**Not all bamboo spreads like weeds or anything else.


**There are two (2) types of bamboo


running and clumping.


***Runners versus Clumpers****


.....We've all heard the horror stories: "Don't plant bamboo - that stuff will take over your whole neighborhood!" Bamboos have quite a reputation for invasiveness, and it is true that some kinds do spread quite aggressively. *****What is less well known is that there is a whole category of bamboos that do not spread aggressively***** and do not represent a threat to the neighborhood, and that even the spreading types vary considerably in their rate of spread.


http://www.floridabamboo.com/about.html


***Chrys is not completely informed as to what bamboo actually is or does.


***Bamboo is one of the worlds great resources for wood replacement. It grows very fast and in many cases is harder than the wood The world is just beginning to realize that about bamboo....How great to stop cutting down our forests and replacing it with something that can grow back within a year or so.





One way to tell the difference bamboo won't be sold bare rooted and in a glass of water.

How can I tell if I have a real bamboo plant or if it's a Dracaena sanderiana "Lucky Bamboo"?
most real bamboo plants are much larger than lucky bamboo. also if it has a decorative container or the bamboo is shaped in a design it is Lucky Bamboo.
Reply:lucky bamboo is actually a corn plant...so real bamboo is easy to spot. Real bamboo has leaves at each 'joint', not just on the top. Real bamboo is also different colors. (red, purple, gold, green...) corn plants are just green.


Real bamboo SPREADS like weeds, corn plants don't...Real bamboo needs soil, corn plants only need water.
Reply:http://gardening.about.com/od/perennials...


http://www.luckybamboo.com/