Dracaenas, Cacti, Succulents in a Basement Suite: Fluorescent Lighting, Repotting, and Pest Control

Dracaena Marginata & Tricolor

• Clay pots are good—roots breathe through porous walls. Avoid overwatering; never leave saucer full.
• Light: Bright indirect indoors, mostly shade outdoors. Keep above 50°F.
• Basement solution: 2-tube fluorescent fixture ~12 inches above all plants, on chains for height adjustment, plugged into outlet for mobility.
• Repotting: New pot 2 inches wider, fresh soil, cover drain hole with stone, loosen root ball gently, firm soil, water when top 1–2 inches dry.
• Cuttings: Won't root well in water. Dip in rooting hormone, plant in fresh soil.

Cacti & Succulents

• Brown spots = sunburn.
• "Roly-poly" bugs (pillbugs) are harmless; water with rubbing alcohol to kill them.
• All can grow under the same fluorescent setup.
• Jade plant is a succulent—also thrives under fluorescent light.

Unidentified Items

White hard substance on 2-inch cacti? Unknown without photo (Styrofoam? ceramic?). Cannot ID cacti/succulents without pictures.