Rescuing Dracaena Marginata from Root Rot

Situation Assessment

You correctly identified root rot: brown, mushy roots and loose bark at the stem base. Overwatering is the culprit. You've already removed the plant, trimmed rotten roots, and repotted in fresh soil—good first steps.

Additional Measures

1. Fungicide drench: Apply a 2% chlorothalonil (Daconil) solution to the soil until it drains out the bottom. This suppresses remaining fungal pathogens.
2. Hold off watering for 7–10 days; the soil is still moist.
3. Provide bright, indirect light and warm temperatures (65–75°F).
4. Propagation backup: Dracaena can be rooted from stem cuttings. Cut a healthy cane straight across, dip in rooting hormone, place in water in indirect light. Once roots form, pot up.

Long-Term Care

• Water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Use a well-draining potting mix (add perlite or bark).
• Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.

With reduced moisture and fungicide treatment, the plant often regenerates new roots.