How to save this Dracaena 'draco'? Help needed.

[lin92]

I planted a Dracaena 'draco' in ground earlier this year, but it's not doing too well. The leaves at the bottom keep turning yellow and brown. Is this a sign of nutrient deficiency? Any idea what I'm doing wrong? Thanks.

[EricL]

Hello @lin92

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about the leaves on your dracaena plant.

Some of the common causes of dracaena leaves turning yellow are sudden temperature changes, waterlogged soil, over or under-watering, salt build-up and fungal or insect infestation. The leaves at the bottom of a dracaena plant naturally turn yellow and then brown after some time as this is part of its maturation cycle. However, if the entire plant starts turning yellow then it's a sign that one of the symptoms I mentioned is in effect. 

I suggest checking the soil under the pea gravel and checking if the soil is damp or dry. Do you have a watering schedule for the dracaena? If the soil is too dry odds are it's not being watered enough, if the soil is soggy then too much water is being applied. Fungal or insect infestation often leave obvious signs on the plant. The leaves are blotted or eaten away or a dusty coating can be found on the surface of the leaves. 

In the meantime, I suggest removing the brown leaves underneath and adjusting the watering schedule for the ones with very yellow leaves.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @Adam_W for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Noelle]

Hi @lin92 

The centre of the dracaena (or the top of it depending on how you view it) looks healthy enough. The lower leaves are doing what lower leaves on a dracaena normally die - die off as the plant gains height and newer leaves take over up the stem.  Over time, the stem or trunk may become quite tall and completely bare.  All those 'ripples' down the trunk are where old leaves now long gone once grew.

Eric's tips re watering are well worth following because there is a possibility the dying of the lower leaves may be accentuated due to a watering problem.

The top of the plant looks healthy enough so I don't think pests or diseases are affecting it.

[lin92]

Hi @Noelle and @EricL , thanks very much for the advice, much appreciated. I will adjust the watering and see how it goes.

[Gleeko]

Hi @Noelle What fertiliser should I use on a Dracaena Draco plant with yellowing leaves.  The new leaves are not affected.

This plant is in a extremely large pot on a North facing balcony, the wind is severe at times and there is no shade.  

I hope you can help me.

Wendy

[Noelle]

Hi @Gleeko 

As Eric and I have explained in our replies to @lin92 , the older leaves lower down on the plant will yellow and die as the plant grows - this is perfectly normal. Eventually your dracaena will have a tall stem with all its growth at the top as its crowning glory.

A slow or controlled release fertiliser formulated for cacti and succulents would be suitable for this plant. Follow the directions for use on the tub and apply only once every six months. Do not over-water or over-feed or your dracaena may sulk.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Gleeko. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question.

I trust that @Noelle's answer was helpful.

Please reach out again if you have further questions; we're here to help.

Mitchell