Dracaena Marginata Leaf Browning: Light and Watering Adjustments

A Dracaena marginata (often mistaken for a palm) that browns from the tips inward after being moved indoors is reacting to reduced light and unchanged watering habits.

Diagnosis

• Light: Indoors, light intensity drops drastically. The plant sheds older leaves to compensate.
• Watering: Outdoor plants use far more water. Keeping the same schedule causes root rot.

Corrective Care

1. Place directly in front of the sunniest uncovered window.
2. Allow the top 3–4 inches of soil to dry between waterings.
3. Water just enough to reach that dryness again in about a week.
4. Do not repot or fertilize now.

Long‑Term Strategy

Consider keeping the plant indoors year‑round to avoid the stress of seasonal moves. It will adapt and stabilize.