Dracaena 'Spike' (Cordyline) Declining in Low Light: Move It Now

Your Cordyline australis is 18 feet from a north window—light is 1000× lower than outdoors. It survived a dark basement by luck; it won’t survive your current spot.

Immediate Rescue

1. Move directly in front of your sunniest window. No substitute for light.
2. Stop coffee grounds/coffee watering—it acidifies soil, locking out nutrients.
3. Water only when soil is dry 2–3 inches deep.
4. No mirrors, pebble trays, or root trimming will fix low light.

General Rules for All Your Plants

• Match each species to its light requirement.
• Learn each plant’s dry-down depth.
• Use filtered/distilled water if tap is hard.
• Keep pots snug—repot rarely.
• Ignore humidity and fertilizer hype.

Based on 30+ years professional interior landscaping.

For detailed guides, email wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com.