Why a Dracaena Plant Droops

Hello:
I have had this plant for quite some time and I can’t seem to make it really happy. At first I thought it was a variation of a corn plant, but it doesn’t have the stalk aspect so I am still unsure of what it likes. I changed the pot and soil awhile back which seemed to help a bit but it just looks sad and wilted again now. I give it water once a week or so and it sits by a western facing window so gets sunlight during the second half of the day. Any help in making this plant bright and happy would be so appreciated! I really love it and it brings so much to my place. Thanks again!
Elle

Hi Ellie,

Yes, your plant is a dracaena and the main problem is the plant is getting much too much light. Dracaenas do best in medium light and can even survive in low lightWhen you select “Low Light” a list of the most adaptive plants in our database appears. These plants can live in lighting conditions too low to support any other plants in our database, but will grow faster in medium and high light. Variegation (color) in the leaves is often lost in low light. A plant in low light needs less water and fertilizer than the same plant in better light. Place a low-light plant within 2-3 ft. of a window with a northern exposure, 3-5 ft. of a window with an eastern exposure, 4-10 ft. of a window with a western exposure, and 10-18ft. of a window with a southern exposure. A low light area has between 50-150 ft. candles of light. The best low light house plants are: Chinese Evergreen, Dracaena Janet Craig, Peace Lily, Heart leaf Philodendron.. Dracaenas do not like getting direct afternoon sun from a west facing window. The sun is much too bright and too intense. First, move your plant to an area where it will get medium to bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light. but no direct sun. Then set the plant in a deep saucer of water for 15 minutes, refilling the water as it is absorbed through the drip holes in the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its decorative container. I think the plant will start to do much better once you give it a good drink of water and move it to cooler less bright area.