jrmtl
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Location: Montreal

No it's only one pot , but I think it's not suited for this plant or can the earth be the problem? I give it about a cup a week of water and it probably doesn't even reach bottom

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Kisal
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Well, it's just my opinion, but I believe a plant's roots need water, so water should be poured on until it drains freely out the drainage holes. After 45 minutes to an hour, any water in the saucer should be poured off. For plants like Dracaena, that like to be a little on the dry side, wait until the soil is dry down to about an inch or two below the surface, before watering again. Another method is to heft the pot in your hands right after a thorough watering, so you can learn to judge by the weight just how wet the soil is.

Giving the plant "just a little" water, but frequently, is only "teasing" it. If you don't give it enough water, it can't develop a healthy root system to support healthy leafy growth on the top. Also, without sufficient water, a plant's roots can't absorb nutrients from the soil. But again, that's just my opinion. :)

jrmtl
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Posts: 40
Joined: Sat Aug 22, 2009 1:00 pm
Location: Montreal

Well.. the plant is really starting to lose most of it's leaves really fast :(
I think it really doesn't like the pot or earth.

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Kisal
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Joined: Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:04 am
Location: Oregon

Dracaenas, as a rule, aren't very picky about the soil they're in, as long as it drains quickly. The pot looks fine to me, except it would be better if you could lift it out of the saucer. I definitely wouldn't put the plant in a larger pot.

There is no reason why you shouldn't repot the plant. The only thing is that fall is approaching many areas -- I didn't notice your location -- and plants go into dormancy at that time. It's based on the number of daylight and dark hours the plant gets. It matters because plants use even less water during dormancy, so you will have to be even more careful not to overwater.

Be gentle with the roots. There will be a period of time after repotting during which they won't be able to absorb moisture from the soil. The plant has to grow new feeder roots first. The leaves may continue to drop during that time. That's about all the help ican offer. Good luck to you! :)



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