QUESTION:
My dracaena reflexa, Song of India, is suffering. It has lost many leaves in the last few days. I have moved it from a very direct light to lesser light. Kindly advise!
ANSWER:
Hi Chiara,
When a Dracaena reflexa loses leaves it is usually a watering problem. Like all dracaenas, the reflexa likes to be kept on the dry side. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. I always suggest keeping the plant a little root bound in a small pot so the soil can dry out quickly and the roots do not stay wet too long. When you do water, water well enough so that it comes out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot. Dracaenas are very sensitive to fluorine in the water. If your water has a lot of chemicals in it, allow the water to sit out for 24 hours before using it; alternatively, you can use rain water or distilled water.
A Dracaena Reflexa with solid dark green leaves does well in medium light. The Song of India and Song of Jamaica, with yellow and white stripes in their leaves, need bright indirect light but no direct sun.
Feed monthly in the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing with a balanced plant food diluted to 1/4 the recommended strength.
You can read all my care tips for a Dracaena Reflexa in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.