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?

American...You really did get a great deal, I like the way your marginata is shaped. Tips. D. marginata is a semi-fast grower. Sun: D. marginatas prefer bright light. Since you're in z5, during winter, place in the brightest light possible. During hot, summer days, direct south and west sun should be avoided. If you intend on taking your plant outdoors, do so on a cloudy day/s. Place in deep shade. Gradually move to a brighter location every few days. Soil: Soil must be well-draining. Never keep constantly wet or muddy. Water when soil is dry, crumbly. Insert your finger or a stake deep within. If stake comes out wet, wait a few days and retest. When soil is crumbly, from top to bottom, give a thorough drink of water that's sat out at least 24 hours. My D. margintas are planted in, Miracle Gro Cactus and Succulent Soil, Perlite, a little All Purpose House Plant Soil, and small Pea Gravel. Fertilizer: Fertilize during growing season, usually from April-Sept. All-Purpose or balanced is best. Use half-strength. Fertilizer manufacturers would love for us to use a bottle per feeding, lol. There's no one true time to fertilize. People fertilize once a week, once every other week, or once a month. Divide appropriately. If there's one thing marginata's don't like is wet feet. Besides well-draining soil, pot should have drainage holes. If not, water settles on the bottom, soil remains wet, and roots rot. Although this Dracanea doesn't like wet feet, it prefers some humidity. Spray leaves once a day and if possible, hose/shower in sink every so often. This is more important during winter months when air is dry. Rotate: To keep balance in growth and color, rotate 1/4 turn, once a week. This way plant will get an even amount of light.. Some plants lean towards the sun, then trunk grows crooked. Insects: Marginatas can attract insects, especially Mealy Bug and Spider Mites. I find misting and good air circulation two ways to keep pests away. Since I don't use chemicals, I make up a mix, 'in a spray bottle,' of water, 2-4 drops of dish soap, hot pepper, citrus rind/juice and mouthwash. Spray twice a month with this concoction, and your plants will be insect-free. That's about it, American. There's no ONE way to care for a plant. When others chime in, you'll see what I mean. Good luck, Toni

Hi Gill, sorry I didn't get back sooner.. I forgot to measure my Draco, so just hauled it downstairs..From the bottom of pot to top leaf, it stands 41"..The Draco is older than I anticipated..bought in 1996 at a Flower & Garden show. But, I'm devestated..While measuring, I noticed its trunk has some type of rotted?, chewed-up looking mess..It's not an insect..wonder what the he** that's about. I don't know what to do??? Any advice? I haven't dwelt with plants suffering fungal/bacteria..DArn, wish I could post a pic here..maybe someone can diagnose so my draco can be treated if it's not too late. Oh I too love buying, what I call, 'Dead Cart' at stores where employees dump 'not-so-healthy-looking' plants in carts...I've found plants as low as .10 each including a perrenial Bleeding Heart..bought 2 at .20 plus tax, can't forget tax..lol..It's one of the first flowering perrenial bushes that sprout in spring. I've also purchased plenty of tropicals/succulents via 'dead carts' in your case, trolleys? I agree starting plants from seed/cuttings or rescues are dearest. Think I mentioned, plants such as Citrus, Hibiscus and Gardenia do best when older, shaped as trees. Since I have no idea how grafting is done, (if you want citrus to produce before retirement) it's best buying a grafted citrus. I also prefer trees to bushes, (the 3 latter plants.)as far as appearance and space issues. But 95% of my collection was started as babies. Little guys. BTW, have you ever seen a mature Draco? There's a picture @ www.wikipedia.com They're beautiful. Is foliage on your dracos stiff or do tips hang a bit? Medium to large seed should be soaked at least 24 hours for quicker germination. So, whatever you did and doing, especially since your seeds germinated and others didnt, well you're doing something right.. I noticed a huge difference soaking Morning Glory seeds opposed to those that hadn't been pre-soaked... took much longer to sprout. Same w/Clivia seeds, which are quite large. What other plants have you grown from seed? Do you know anything about berrys from Foxtail ferns/A. meyerii? A relative of Asparagus/Plumosis...the berrys, hundreds, have turned from white to green to red...deep red. Thanks, Toni

Looking into the background u have a collage of colour u certainly are a master of this plant love your work