Dying Dracaena Marginata

[savagj1]

I bought a Dracaena Marginata plant approx July 2006. It is taller than myself so about 6ft in height. I am not the best for green fingers were plants are concerned but up to now I have had no problems keeping this plant alive, I even decorated it with sparkling white lights to add a touch of class!

There is approx 4 seperate plants within the container (as bought) from small, medium and up to large. Every one besides the large growth seems to have lost its leaves and died, leaving soft stems in the pot.

I am unsure if I have over watered the plant and have read that they should only be watered once a month. The growth that is left is sprouting new leaves but does anyone know if there is any way to bring back to life the limpless stems that are left.

It is such a beautiful plant!??? Do you think I am going to have to re-pot the one that is left and add a smaller one to get the initial look!!

[Hawkwalk]

watering will depend on how much the plant dries out and once a month may be fine in one house and not in another. Also time of year will change the watering requirements. Dracaenas do not like to be over-watered and also do not like to be kept too dry so keeping the compost just moist is ideal.

Poor light will cause leaves to drop off and especially the smaller stems as these will be getting less light than the taller one.

The rotting canes will probably not grow back especially in house conditions and are best removed.

[smurfchops]

This is spooky, I asked a similar question about the same type of plant a few months ago, around November. I have had this plant for approx 12 years, 15ft high and absolutely gorgeous then suddenly all the leaves started to drop. I have now lost half the plant, and the lower stems are all straggly. The top is still growing and I am not watering very much, but it is not the plant it used to be. How odd you have the same problem.