Can you tell me what is wrong with this lemon lime plant?

United States

It was not in direct sunlight and I don't think I over watered it. All of a sudden there were brown spots everywhere. I'm wondering if I under watered it and can it be salvaged? I've already taken off a lot of brown dried leaves but it's just getting worse. New growth at top looks great.

On plant Dracaena

5 Jan, 2009

Answers

Wohlibuli

Draceana will turn brown like this for a couple of different reasons but the usual one is that they are sitting in water. Make sure the pot drains well and that after watering you empty the outside (cache) pot.

5 Jan, 2009

Majeekahead

Yes i agree with Wohlibuli, most likely cause is overwatering, athough central heating could also have this effect, do you have it near a radiator? the top of the soil looks like it may need top dressing too. you often cant tell if the plant has been overwatered by the top of the soil if it is old compost, as the top will stay crusty and dry looking when underneath it is soaked, so do check the drainage on the pot as Wohlibuli has saggested, then i would maybe remove about 1 inch of soil from the surface and top dress with nice fresh compost, this should help it pick up.

6 Jan, 2009

Sid

Dry leaves could also be down to a dry centrally-heated atmosphere.

6 Jan, 2009

Peteg

I have to go along with over-watering - but 'over' watering can be just a very little at this time of year! AllExperts (Will Creed, http://en.allexperts.com/q/House-Plants-721/Leaves-Dracaena-Lindenii-turning.htm) reckons the top 1/3rd of the compost should be dry before you water during the winter. Hope this helps ... Welcome to GOY, by the way!

6 Jan, 2009

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