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Dracaena marginata plants are stunning – until they are wilting and slowly dying. Saving your Dracaena is a simple task if you know the most common cause of dragon tree fatalities, such as improper watering.
Your Dracaena Marginata is likely dying due to an improper watering schedule since these plants are sensitive to overwatering. Other reasons a Dracaena marginata might die include inadequate lighting, a fungal infection, the wrong temperature to thrive in, and being rootbound in its pot.
So, let’s investigate your Dracaena and plant care schedule to discover where things have gone wrong.
I’ll help you diagnose your Dracaena’s issues and tell you how to remedy them and save your dragon tree. Keep reading for tips on caring for your Dracaena marginata and preventing it from dying!
Reasons Your Dracaena Marginata Might Be Dying
You Are Overwatering or Underwatering Your Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena marginata are drought-resistant plants that can go for long periods without water. However, this doesn’t mean you should neglect them!
Make sure to water your Dracaena marginata regularly but be careful not to overwater it.
Overwatering is the most common cause of death for these plants. If the potting mix is constantly moist, it can lead to root rot. On the other hand, if you don’t water your plant enough, it will wilt.
You will need to consider how hot your area is as this will dry out the soil quicker. A good rule of thumb for Dracaena marginata is to water the plant every 7-10 days. Just make sure that the dirt is dry before adding more water.
How To Tell if You’re Overwatering Your Dracaena
There are a few signs to look out for if you think you might be overwatering your Dracaena marginata.
One of the most obvious signs is if the leaves turn yellow. Discolored leaves signify that the plant is not getting enough oxygen and that the roots are beginning to rot. Another sign is if the stems and leaves start to droop.
If you see either of these signs, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Adjust your watering schedule and ensure you’re not giving your plant too much or too little water.
It’s worth noting that the plant’s lower leaves will naturally turn yellow and fall away as they age. This small-scale wilting is nothing to be overly concerned about. However, if the upper leaves are doing this, there’s something wrong.
How To Tell if You’re Underwatering Your Dracaena
If you’re underwatering your Dracaena Marginata, you will start to see some telltale signs.
The first sign is wilting leaves. If the leaves are starting to droop, the plant isn’t getting enough water. Another sign is crisp yellow leaves with brown spots. Crunchy leaves signify that the plant isn’t getting enough nutrients, most likely because of a lack of water.
The last sign is dry soil mix. If you stick your finger into the soil and it feels dry to the touch, it means you need to water your plant immediately! Don’t soak the plant. Only ensure that you keep the soil consistently moist.
Your Dracaena Marginata Is Getting Too Much or Too Little Light
Dracaena Marginata trees are native to Madagascar, where they grow in the underbrush of forests. That means that they’re used to bright, indirect sunlight.
If you place your Dracaena in an area with significantly low light levels, your plant will start to suffer. The leaves will become pale, and the plant will stretch out as it tries to find enough light. However, the plant will perk up if you can introduce more light, even artificial light.
To avoid this, place your Dracaena marginata in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. If you can’t provide this for your plant, you might want to consider getting a grow light.
How To Tell If Your Dracaena Marginata Isn’t Getting Enough Light
Your Dracaena probably isn’t getting enough light if it is starting to show any of the following signs.
One of the first signs is pale leaves. If the leaves start to lose their color, the plant isn’t getting enough light.
Another sign is smaller new leaves. If the fresh leaves are smaller than the older ones, the lighting conditions are preventing the plant from getting all the nutrients it needs.
The last sign is stunted growth. If the plant isn’t growing as tall or as wide as it should be, there’s something wrong.
If you see any of these signs, try moving your plant to a spot that gets more sunlight.
How To Tell If Your Plant Is Getting Too Much Light
If your Dracaena marginata is starting to show any of the following signs, it’s a sign that it’s getting too much light.
One of the first signs is brown spotting on the leaves. That’s a sign that the plant is overexposed to sunlight and has leaf burns.
Another sign is dropping leaves. If the leaves are starting to fall, the plant is stressed and can’t handle the amount of light it’s getting.
If you see any of these signs, try moving your plant to a spot that gets less sunlight.
Your Dracaena May Have a Fungal Infection
Fungal infections are relatively rare in Dracaena Marginata trees, but they can happen if the conditions are right. The most common type of fungus is root rot, which occurs when you are overwatering or when the soil has become compacted and waterlogged.
If you think your plant has a fungal infection, the first thing you should do is look at the roots. If they’re brown and mushy, it’s a sign that the plant has root rot.
The best way to treat root rot is to carefully remove the affected roots and then replant them in fresh, dry soil. Then, you will need to avoid watering your Dracaena for a few weeks to dehydrate the roots.
Usually, a fungal infection is a no-win situation, and your Dracaena marginata will die. However, you don’t need to give up on the plant immediately. Repotting and cutting away the infected roots can help, and it may save your plant if the rot is not too severe.
Your Dracaena Marginata is Too Hot or Cold
Dracaena Marginata trees are tropical plants, which means they like warm temperatures. They won’t tolerate frost or cold winters, so it’s best to keep your plant indoors if you live in an area with cold winters.
The ideal temperature for a Dracaena Marginata is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). If the temperature drops below this, the plant will start to suffer. The leaves will turn brown and drop off, and the growth will slow down.
If you think your plant is suffering from the cold, the best thing to do is move it to a warmer spot. If you can’t provide a warm enough environment for your plant, you might consider getting a heat lamp.
How To Tell if the Temperature Is Too Cold for Your Dracaena
If your Dracaena marginata is starting to show any of the following signs, it’s a sign that it’s too cold.
One of the first signs is decaying leaves. If the leaves start to turn brown and fall off, the plant is struggling with the temperature.
Another sign is stunted growth. If the plant isn’t growing as tall or as wide as it should be, it cannot get enough nutrients because of the cold.
The last sign is discoloring. If the leaves are beginning to turn yellow or brown, it’s an obvious sign that something is wrong, so check the temperature near the plant.
If you see any of these signs, try moving your plant to a warmer spot or purchase a heat lamp.
How To Tell if the Temperature Is Too Hot for Your Dracaena
As tropical plants, Dracaenas like warm environments, but if you live in a hot climate, the heat can harm your Dracaena marginata.
If your Dracaena marginata starts showing any of the following signs, the temperature is too warm.
One of the first signs of overheating is dropping leaves. Dropping means that the plant is stressed and can’t handle the amount of heat it’s getting.
Another sign is extra dry soil. If the dirt is dry, crumbly, or cracking, the heat is drying out the soil too quickly for your Dracaena to absorb it.
The last sign is wilting. If the leaves are starting to droop or curl up, the plant isn’t getting enough water or isn’t getting enough light.
If you see any of these signs, try moving your plant to a cooler spot or purchase a fan.
Your Dracaena Marginata May Have Become Rootbound
When a plant outgrows its pot, it becomes rootbound. That means that the roots have started to fill up the container, and there’s not enough room to grow.
If your plant has become rootbound, the first thing you need to do is repot it. Choose a pot that’s about twice the size of the current one and add fresh, well-draining soil.
Once you’ve repotted your plant, water it and monitor its health closely. Rootbound plants are more susceptible to stress and can die rapidly if you don’t take proper care of them.
How To Tell If Your Dracaena Is Rootbound
When a plant becomes rootbound, it’s clear that it’s not getting enough space to grow. If you notice that your Dracaena marginata is starting to show any of the following symptoms, it’s become rootbound.
One of the first signs is a broken pot. If the container is starting to crack or bend, the roots are desperately attempting to escape the overcrowded container.
Otherwise, your dracaena’s roots may reach out of the pot from the container’s top or through the drainage holes.
If your dragon tree’s roots get big enough and block the drainage holes, it will likely develop root rot and cause the soil to get boggy. So, keep an eye on the drainage holes and repot your Dracaena if you notice the roots peeking out.
Another sign is discoloration. If the leaves are starting to turn yellow or brown, it means that the plant isn’t getting enough nutrients because it has outgrown the size of the pot.
Dracaena Marginata Care Tips
Here are a few tips to help you care for your Dracaena Marginata:
- Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Dracaena marginata like to be kept moist but not wet.
- Provide your plant with bright, indirect light. It doesn’t enjoy direct sunlight.
- Only fertilize your plant when it’s actively growing (spring and summer).
- Trim away any brown spots from the leaves.
- Dracaena marginata is a poisonous plant for animals, so do not bring this plant to a home with dogs or cats.
- Don’t use too much water with fluoride in it. If possible, stick to distilled water.
- Use water at room temperature to water this plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Do Dracaena Marginata Plants Get?
Dracaena marginata plants can grow 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) tall. Since they can reach great heights, it’s essential to provide enough space and prune them carefully, especially if your dracaena is a houseplant.
How Fast Do Dracaena Marginata Plants Grow?
Dracaena Marginata plants grow about one to two feet (30 to 60 cm) per year. However, they can grow slower or faster depending on their environment and how you care for them. So, it’s important to fertilize and water your plant properly to encourage rapid growth.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble with your Dracaena marginata, you’ll need to figure out what the problem is as soon as possible to prevent death. Many things could cause your Dracana to die, from improper watering, unsuitable light or temperature conditions, to an undersized pot.
Be sure to pay close attention to the signs of discomfort in your Dracaena to catch the problem before it is too late.
Once you diagnose the problem, you can take the necessary steps to fix it. With the proper care, your Dracaena marginata will thrive!