Dracaena Massangeana dead?

United Kingdom

I have a Dracaena Massangeana. It was growing beautifully then the bottom part died and now no longer grows. The top part was healthy with large shiny leaves for a few years, then the leaves on the top part suddenly withered and died. I had been feeding and watering it as per the label and had not moved it from its original place. Since then I have had a baby shoot grow from the soil but this died after a few months. Recently there has been another shoot from the soil but again this has died.
My husband wants to throw the plant away. Has it reached the end of its life? How should I be looking after the baby shoots if any do come up again - should i perhaps seperate them from the main plant?
Thank you.

On plant Dracaena

4 Dec, 2008

Answers

Majeekahead

the main problem with most house plants is overwatering, central heating and possiblly the soil needs changing, there is the possiblity of pest or infection, but with out a picture it is hard to say. i think i would remove any side shoots or new growths from the roots and pot them up into fresh compost, and be careful not to overwater and keep them away from radiators. hope this helps.

4 Dec, 2008

Emilyd

thank you very much that is fantastic thank you! x

5 Dec, 2008

Peteg

Sorry to be so late with a comment, only just noticed this question! From memory, most Ds are quite prone to root rot so the likelihood is overwatering or letting the plant sit in water for a long time after watering. I'd definitely go along with new compost, trimming off any roots which look iffy, water sparingly for a while then use the drench-and-drain watering method - I leave my Ds for several days after I think they *ought* to be watered to make sure they really are dry enough for a good drenching! Hope this helps ...

7 Dec, 2008

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