Troubleshooting Dracaena Massangeana: Black Tips, Small Growth, White Film

Troubleshooting Dracaena Massangeana: Black Tips, Small Growth, White Film

A reader's Corn Plant has leaves turning black from tips inward, tiny brown new growth with white film inside, and brown lines on leaves. Soil in 10-inch pot stays wet; plant is heavy.

Expert Analysis (from photos)

• White film: Likely pesticide residue; wipe off and monitor.
• Brown lines: Physical damage (creasing/cutting).
• Dying new growth: Caused by constantly wet soil from overpotting.

Immediate Action

Downsize the pot. Remove added soil, repot into a container fitting the original rootball. Hope roots aren't too rotted. This is the critical step.