Hi everyone, once again I can't sleep so I'm doing plant stuff :) I potted the Dracaena reflexa in Pro-Mix (not sure which version since there are many) standard potting soil. There isn't as much perlite in that mix as I've seen in some others, so hopefully it won't cause the plant any harm. The Yucca has been potted in the same soil, however I added a fair bit of perlite, which I rinsed beforehand. Now, as for the Cordyline, I dug a hole in the soil so I could feel the soil all the way down at the bottom, and even though the moisture meters (three of them) read "wet" or very close to it, the soil only feels mildly damp down there (and at other levels too). In fact, I took a small handful from the very bottom and squeezed it in my hand and when I released it, it fell apart and didn't remain clumped up at all. This should mean the soil isn't too wet, right? I also noted as I was using my hand to dig down to the bottom, that the soil wasn't tightly compacted at all and felt fluffy and easy to dig through.... So, these should be good signs that the soil isn't too wet for the plant, no? In fact, it might even be time to water it again... hmmm. I appreciate very much everyone who responds to my postings on here. :) I realize I'm likely obsessing a bit about things regarding the plants, but after losing all of my plants for undetermined reasons a number of years ago, I want to make sure I do it right this time 'round. I'm still hesitant to water these large plants to the point where water drains from the bottom, though on one hand I really want to try it so I can see how well it does (or doesn't drain). If I do saturate them and they remain wet for a while, how long before root rot will set in? Some say that it's only an issue if you do it repeatedly, while others claim leaving them too wet even for a single watering cycle can be deadly. Also, here's a picture of the three of them, just because plant pics are fun.

Paris...Some people rate self-watering pots top of the line, others don't care for them. Since I don't use these pots, someone who does might have an answer. It's best to wait a while before repotting, but since you're taking your Song to the office, you're probably in a hurry. lol.. Repotting. I repot when soil is dry; it's much easier removing rootball from a container than dealing with soggy soil. Add a little soil in the bottom of new pot. Tilt plant, (if you can do this outside, great, if not, set newspaper on the floor,) tap pot, to remove excess soil. If soil is rootbound, use a knife to loosen soil around inner pot, gently releasing soil/roots. As soil flows out, grab hold of base/trunk, and carefully remove plant from its pot. Center your Song in new pot. Add fresh soil around rootball, in a circular motion, so all sides are equal. When your plant is stable to stand on its own, fill pot..Add enough, about 1 inch below top of pot. If you add to much soil, (towards the top) you'll make a mess. Soil will spill. I would NOT add rocks/stones/pebbles on top of soil. Especially with self-watering pots..if soil stays wet, and covered, you'll be seeing Fungus Gnats..skip the rocks. Does the pot have drainage holes? I hope so. If it doesn't, well, I'd return it, lol, adding rocks on the bottom would be a good idea. If your pot has holes, there's no need. A lot of light..which direction does your window face? Songs need bright light, south or west summer sun may be too harsh. An east window would be ideal. If your only option is south or west, in summer, set a few feet away from window. It could adapt to strong light, but it needs to be moved gradually. Songs get big. Even in containers. BTW, what size is yours? What size pot is it in, (measure diameter) and what size is the new pot? You don't want to use too large container. Pot should be 1-3" larger than the rootball, and 3" is pushing it. 1-2 sizes up is standard. In spring and summer, your plant will need fertilizer. I have no idea how to fertlize in self-container pots, hopefully someone who uses these pots will answer. Toni

One year later, your plant looks terrific; very happy & healthy. And with leaves all the way to the bottom! I love the Dracaena Reflexa. It has such a tropical look to it!

Howdy, So you've had reflexa 6-years... Congrats.. I gave up buying 'gold' reflexa, although its my favorite.. Had similiar problems....foliage started out with brown spots, then died. My 18-yr semi-varigated is much hardier. lol When you say spots are slowly spreading, do you mean spreading to other leaves or the same leaf? Happen to have a photo of the entire plant? When I hose my reflexa's folage, it seems to perk up. Maybe you should hose in sink/tub once a week??? Strange, the cutting got spots, too..hmm. It may be my imagination, but as I said, I bought a few '3-4' gold reflexa's over the years..Each and everyone had the same problem...Spotted a day or two after coming home with me. I wonder if 'gold' reflexa's have some type of disease/problem. Each I purchased came from different stores. Maybe someone here has gold D. reflexa, purchased after 2005, without spots. Anyone?