Dracaena Marginata getting TOO tall
TJG911
18 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (62)
davers71
9 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
9 years agoRelated Discussions
How to trim dracaena marginata roots?
Comments (3)ishuku, I'd decide where I want to cut the roots on the long side of that L. I would use a sharp knife or heavy scissors. I would cut straight across the container; and not worry if I do not get all the roots. Leave the plant in the container long enough for the cut roots to start branching. Addition of organic matter in the form compost in the area of the cut roots will help this process. Monitor the root branching progress; and I would guess that after about 8 weeks, you will be able to lift the plant with its smaller root ball, cut away any remaining long roots and set it in the new container and add more compost to set it firmly in place. It is similar to root pruning a field grown tree; a quarter circle (12 o'clock to 3 o'clock; 3 to 6; 6 to 9 etc) at monthly intervals. New feeder roots proliferate inside the pruning circle so that when the whole tree is lifted and set in its new location, the shock is minimized....See MoreDracaena marginata dying!!!! HELP!!!!
Comments (6)Sorry that happened. All you can do at this point is let it dry well, don't sunburn it. Impossible to say from looking at that if it's going to live or not. Hope so, sending good vibes! It doesn't look very good, the top leaves should be pointing straight up. One thing that should help, when it is dry enough to need water again, would be to give it collected rain water, or distilled water. Dracaenas are known to be sensitive to the chemicals in tap water, like fluoride, that can't evaporate from letting water sit. Condensate from A/C or dehumidifier are also sources of water with no chemicals added....See MoreDracaena marginata questions
Comments (0)Hi all - I'm in Southern CA, zone 11. I was given this dracaena by a friend who moved out of the area. This plant is probably 4-5 years old. I've had it for about two years. When I received it, I promptly placed it in the back of my patio and I'm sad to say I forgot about it. So it has been COMPLETELY IGNORED!!! I mean completely -- I've probably physically watered it maybe a dozen times (if that). I think the only reason it's still alive is because we received significant rain this winter/spring, although it still didn't get much because it was mostly undercover. But needless to say it has survived almost exclusively on rainwater. So.... I recently was thinking that I'd like to bring it inside and turn it into a houseplant. But I'm guessing I need to change some things first. I was thinking about putting it in a spot next to a north facing window, where it will get medium light but no direct light (it has been receiving direct midday sun for at least three hours a day since I've owned it). I'd also like to correct the browning happening on the leaf tips (again, hasn't received a lick of fertilizer in at least two years and not much water). Honestly I'm pretty shocked this poor neglected thing is still alive! At least, I'm assuming it's alive! One last thing -- there's about a two inch section of tap root growing out from one of the holes in the bottom of this container, and the container itself is about 8" across at the top and probably 6" across at the bottom. And the plant itself is about 2 feet tall from the soil to the top of the plant. Thank you, and I hope to give this poor neglected plant a better future!...See MoreDracaena Marginata (maybe) problems - too tall & falling over
Comments (6)Thanks to all for the replies. I apologize for being MIA - I've had a busy few weeks and haven't been able to devote time to a decent reply. Thank you for your patience :) "Look at the trunk down near the soil. It is discolored dark right out of the soil, then there looks like almost a waterline where it gets whitish, and then looks a bit wrinkled, above that. Does that section feel firm and normal?" The whole trunk feels firm and normal, "waterline" discoloration included. The "waterline" line has been there since about the 1st year. "Does the pot have holes for draining and allowing salts to be leached out of the soil. Years of watering a big plant with nowhere for water to ever run out is lethal sooner or later." The pot does not have holes for draining. I plan to pick up a new pot this weekend - hopefully the local Home Depot or Lowes sells clay pots with holes in the bottom, as I do like the look :) - I'm assuming I should shake out as much of the soil as possible and replace it. But with what? Just a generic potting mix? When I first got it I potted it in this container with Miracle Gro (which I now know is bad!) and it has never been re-potted. Shortly after writing my original post I moved the plant into the den/2nd bedroom. It's the only room in the apartment that gets direct sunlight - it gets several hours of afternoon sun. All yellow leaves have since dropped but I am left with several that are dry at the ends. I haven't watered it since the day I wrote my original post and the soil still does not yet feel excessively dry....See Moreemjay496
8 years agosteiconi
8 years agoemjay496
8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agoemjay496
8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agodavers71
8 years agodavers71
8 years agodavers71
8 years agojuliebritz
8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agojuliebritz
8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agojuliebritz
8 years agodavers71
8 years agodavers71
8 years agoKathy Blackwood
8 years agodavers71
8 years agoKathy Blackwood
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agoKathy Blackwood
8 years agoemjay496
8 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years agoemjay496
8 years agokgreer1313
7 years agocherlclarke
7 years agomegrix
6 years agoAndrea ME z5b
6 years agotropicbreezent
6 years agodavers71
6 years agodavers71
6 years agodavers71
6 years agoRachel Nye
5 years agoRachel Nye
5 years agomegrix
5 years agoRachel Nye
5 years agomegrix
5 years agotropicbreezent
5 years agoMew Mix
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agodavers71
3 years agodavers71
3 years agoNancy Stephens
2 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
2 years agoNancy Stephens
2 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
2 years agocarolstropicals
2 years agoBill M.
2 years ago
Related Stories
HOUSEPLANTSGet a Dash of the Rain Forest With Madagascar Dragon Tree
This living decoration reaches up to 15 feet, has minimal needs and adapts to different light levels — just steer clear of fluoride
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESImprove Your Style Fortune With Lucky Bamboo
Serve this versatile plant straight up or with a twist for auspicious living decor that thrives without soil
Full StoryMY HOUZZMy Houzz: Japanese Minimalism Blends With Classic New Orleans Style
African art and indoor plants complement the clean and modern aesthetic of two landscape architects
Full StoryDINING ROOMSNew This Week: 6 Modern Dining Zones in Homes Big and Small
Look to splashy accent walls, right-sized tables and indoor slides to make the most of your open layout
Full StoryGROUND COVERSGround Force: 10 Top Ground Covers for Your Garden
Protect your soil from weeds and drought this summer with a living mulch of ground covers
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTS10 Top Plants to Grow Indoors
Brighten a room and clean the air with a houseplant that cascades artfully, stretches toward the ceiling or looks great on a wall
Full StoryHOUSEPLANTS8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants
Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better
You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSMy Houzz: 1950s Rebound for a Cliff May House
Loving restoration brings a midcentury gem back to life and its owners to the kind of life they love
Full StoryECLECTIC HOMESMy Houzz: A Sanctuary With Bohemian Flair in the Pacific Northwest
See how a retail display artist and a Pilates instructor personalize their midcentury rambler
Full Story
megrix