Struggling to keep my plant alive

9 years ago

I've had this plant for over a year now. I went away for 3 weeks over the NY holidays and left it alone on my desk at work. I came back to see the tips brown and dry, so I cut those bits off. But ever since then, the whole plant has been deteriorating. I've cut off a few more leaves and taken the sand out to access the root area better. I have to be careful how much sunlight it gets as the container is glass, and I give it just a little water about once a week, as per instructions. But it certainly looks sad compared to when I first bought it. Any ideas on how to get it back to a good condition?

Comments (6)

brodyjames_gw
9 years ago
1. Check the roots for rot
2. Get it into a container with drainage holes
3. Get it into potting soil or the 3-1-1 mix (search the houseplant forum)
4. Water it until water come out of the drainage holes
5. Once repotted, get it into bright, indirect light

Others will chime in with their two cents.

Nancy
plantomaniac08
9 years ago
In case you were wondering what your plant is, it's Dracaena sanderiana. More of a tropical housplant than a cactus or succulent, but Nancy gave you some good information.

My only additional note to Nancy's recommendations is that I believe it's called the 5-1-1 mix not the 3-1-1 mix.

Planto
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Celeste
9 years ago
Try fertilizing. Whenever I have plants that look yellowish that's what I do and it usually works
brodyjames_gw
9 years ago
Thanks, Planto!

Darn typos! :)

Nancy
plantomaniac08
9 years ago
Nancy,
Haha, it's okay! I make a ton of typos on my mobile device and don't realize it until after I hit submit. Oops.

Planto
summerdayze
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you Nancy, Planto and cljcksn for your suggestions! I guess keeping it in the glass container is no good.
And sorry, yes I accidentally posted in the cactus forum!
Thanks guys!