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Indoor houseplant “tree” needs your help!

Greetings Judy. I’m in Ohio, bought this plant and a “snake” plant from a guy on the side of the road about 4-5 weeks ago. It was cool and windy out that November day. When I got the plant home, the leaves began to brown and drop. I was thinking it was just from the shock, or maybe the draft from the window I sat it in front of. i moved it away from the window and near my turtle tank, which had a UVB bulb. It’s been about 3 weeks now and it just doesn’t seem to be getting better. Please ID this for me, helpful hints would be appreciated as well. The snake plant died and I’m at a loss…~Chelle

Hi Chelle,

CAM01462

Your plant is called a Dracaena Marginata. It is normal for it to lose its bottom leaves as long as it is getting new leaves on top.

If it were my plant, I would cut one of the stems about 12-18 inches above the soil line. New leaves will branch out right below the cut in the stem. Once this stem starts looking better do the same to another stem. In this way you’ll have a bushier plant. Here are care instructions for a Dracaena Marginata and a picture of what it should look like when it’s healthy.

Dracaena-marginata-09-ML

Light
Dracaena Marginata Plants prefer medium light, but survive in lower light situations. Lower light slows down the growth rate of a Dracaena Marginata Plant and reduces the size of new leaves. Direct sun burns the leaves of a Dracaena maginata plant.
Water
Over- watering causes root-rot and is the main reason Dracaena marginata plants die. Water a Dracaena Marginata or Dragon Tree well and do not water again until the top 50% of the soil is dry, in low light this could be up to three weeks. Brown tips on a Dracaena Marginata Plant indicate over-watering or too much fluoride or salt in the water. Numerous yellow leaves at the bottom of the plants means a Dracaena marginata needs more water.
fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small.  
A Dracaena Marginata is a slow-growing plant that does not need much fertilizer. Feed a Dracaena marginata plant once a month in the spring and summer with a water-soluble well-balanced plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength.
Temperature
Dracaena Marginata plants prfer temperatures between 70-80 degrees.
Humidity
Basic household humidity is fine for a Dracaena marginata plant.
Pests
Dracaena marginata plants get a plant pest called spider mites when temperatures are warm and the air that is very dry. Mealy Bugs are another plant pest problem for Dragon Trees.
Soil
Dracaena Marginata plants grow well in a loose fast-draining soil. Dracaena Marginata plants, imported from Hawaii often arrive growing in soil full of lava rock.
Pot Size
Dracaena marginata plants like to be root-bound in very small pots so don’t be in a rush to re-pot.
Pruning
If the canes of a Dracaena Marginata become too long and bare, cut the cane back to where you would like to encourage new growth. Several new stems eventually emerge below the cut and the Dracaena marginata looks even more interesting.
propagationLearn how to propagate plants by plant division at https://www.houseplant411.com/glossary
Dracaena Marginatas are propagated by Stem CuttingsLearn how to propagate plants using stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, cane cuttings, and branch cuttings..
clean air plantCertain houseplants clean the air of harmful chemicals.
NASA lists a Dracaena Marginata as a clean air plant.
poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. Plant Info
A Dracaena marginata is a poisonous houseplant with a #2 Toxicity level.