It's a corn plant, Dracaena fragrans massangeana. They prefer to dry out between waterings but are pretty adaptable. They also adjust well to most light conditions, though bright indirect light or filtered sun are best (full sun will burn it). It's hard to say what might be the specific problem here. Burnt tips often mean mineral buildup in the soil: it's a little soon for this, if you only got the plant in August, but maybe. I wouldn't change the soil now, or anytime soon: it's probably okay at least until May or June. You might consider flushing the soil with lots and lots of water, letting the water run through the soil pretty thoroughly, the next time it's dry (and only the next time it's dry: don't do it now because you feel like you should be doing something): this will remove some mineral buildup, if there is any. (This works best if you set it in the shower or something and pour water through with a watering can or pitcher. You should use at least three gallons of water, and twice that much wouldn't hurt anything. Then let the plant drain well before moving it back to the decorative pot it's in.) Corn plants do not like to stand in water: whether you're flushing it out or just watering it routinely, make sure that you dump out any excess after about fifteen minutes. If you leave the pot to stand in water, the water will wick up into the soil until it's all gone, leaving the soil that much wetter for that much longer, which will eventually cause it to rot. I don't think the heat was probably the plant's main problem, though I agree that it probably wasn't doing the plant any favors, either. If it was a heat or watering problem, you'll probably be forgiven in a few months; corn plants are nice that way.

So If my plant is a lilac how long do you think it will take until it flowers and how long can i safely keep it in a container. I don't have anywhere to plant it. I live in an apartment building so i may be able to upgrade it's pot. C sabol

"Possible winter damage?" Probably not given the location. Definitely in a steep decline...something changed a few years ago. It could be disease, root damage, improper planting (that finally caught up with it), etc. Looking at the age of the neighboring house, the tree was probably purchased as a large B&B and probably planted by a landscaper. I'll bet it's still in it's wire cage and also has something wrapped around the trunk just below grade (that is now killing it).

I salvaged two plants while clearing fenceline; I believe very uncommon here, my part of South Texas. And, it doesn't keep leaves all the time for recognition. Thanks for any input, family or genus guesses/ clues welcomed! Thanks, Smitty Pyro