Question
I recently purchased a 3 foot Dracaena from a local retail store in Salt Lake City, UT. I have potted the plant in a good sized pot, but the leaves are getting dark spots on the tops amd undersides of the leaves. The new growth do not appear to be getting these spots? What could these spots be caused from and is there anyway of keeping these from spreading?

Answer
Hi Bruce,

It is never a good idea to repot a newly acquired plant. The plant is already undergoing the stress of a new environment. The repotting only stresses it that much more. More importantly, using a pot that is too large is the single most common cause of plant failure because the excess soil that you added retains moisture for too long and gradually rots the roots. You are seeing the early symptoms of that.

I suggest that you undo your repotting. Remove the soil that you added and put the plant back into its original or a comparable sized pot.

I have written an article on repotting that I will send to you if you send a request to my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me a rating and nomination.