QUESTION:
Hi Judy, I am a newbie indoor plant care. I bought a new dragon tree from Home Depot last week. Ever since he reached my home he started showing browning leaf tips. I checked the pot and realized soil is bone dry, so I watered him very well. But, no luck, he continued drooping leaf tips with signs of wilting (only on the tips). He was placed in a shady area and I moved him near to window and started misting him twice/thrice daily. Still he is not in love with me. Please help.
ANSWER:
Hi Leah,
There is really nothing wrong with your Dragon tree plant if the leaves droop a little. Some varieties have leaves that go straight up and other varieties have leaves that droop down. (see picture below)
A Dragon tree is a stalk plant which means it is normal for it to lose its bottom leaves as long as it is getting new leaves at the top. It gets brown leaf tips if the water you use contains fluorine or chlorine. If your water has these chemicals, fill your watering can and allow the water to sit out overnight before using it. Never use water that has passed through a softener, it is too salty and will damage the leaves. Too much plant food causes brown tips also. Do not fertilize the plant for at least 2 months.
Over-watering causes root-rot and is the main reason a Dracaena marginata dies. Water well and don’t water again until the top 50% of the soil is dry. When in doubt, do not water. In winter you may only have to water every 3 or 4 weeks.
You can read all my care tips for a Dracaena marginata in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.