Question
Hi - I have 2 Dracaena Marginata's - one is approximately 2.5 feet tall and
the 2nd
one is 4.5 feet tall.. I bought them at Home depot 7 months ago, and they live
in the Las Vegas area, and receive well-water - which is high in calcium or
lime content..the taps in the residence get caked and white with buildup... In
the past 2 months I have started noticing the new growth on the plants is
unable to unfurl itself... and if I unfurl the new shoots myself, the plant seems
to be ok, if I don't - the new shoot develops a break at the base, and will then
turn yellow and die off...
I have just started watering with purified water - which promises to be an
expensive solution, and I am wondering if you might have some advice?

Answer
Hi Barbara,

It is likely that the high mineral content of your well-water is causing the problems you have observed. Most houseplants fare poorly with hard water. The only alternative is to use filtered, distilled or rainwater. I wish there were a cheaper solution, but there is not.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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