I've had this dracaena fragrans for about a year and a half now and it's recently been slowly going downhill over the past few months. I read that they can be sensitive to hard water, so I only give her filtered water that's been sitting out overnight. It's winter so I also only water once the soil is dry below two inches. She receives light from a north facing window and is not near any drafts or heaters. I repotted her when the weather got warmer here from a 10" to 12" and mixed perlite, houseplant soil, and orchid mix.
does anyone know how I can save her? she my very first houseplant so I'm quite attached.
by pearlgonix
6 Comments
I was thinking of maybe mixing in more perlite for better drainage but she already seems so stressed so I’m not sure if I should try to repot her again. 🙁
Following…. I have many plants but always seem to kill these. I am guessing it because , all the above . I killed 3 and dont understand why. Just seeing whaT peoples advice are for this plant . I want to purchase another one but dont want to kill it so I keep my distance. Never knew what this plant was called. Never had the name when bought (first mistake).
I bet it’s low humidity, very dry indoors with heat running. Have you tried a humidifier?
*I have killed one of these before lol
How long are these potos on the same pot? They tend to grow quite big roots. They also require a complete different water schedule. Could they be competing for nutrient with the Dracaena? I managed to control mine basically by treating her as a Succulent more than as a normal plant. Even with succulent soil. In such situations the potos won’t survive.
Don’t use atraight from tap water because of the fluoride and chloramine
I add aqua safe to my water
Or you could use distilled
What sort of filter are you using? Filters typically only remove things like chemicals or metals, and don’t really affect the hardness. (I think the exception might be the Brita Maxtra?) A water softener is what affects the hardness levels, and RO and distilled can be options too. Next time you water you could flush the soil really well with softened water (be sure it has great drainage!) to see if that helps. I think you can soften your own water somewhat by boiling it and then leaving it out for 24 hours, but a little research will help you navigate that option.