Fixing Brown Tips and Yellowing on Dracaena Massangeana in Hard Water

Fixing Brown Tips and Yellowing on Dracaena Massangeana in Hard Water

A Las Vegas reader's Corn Plant developed brown tips with yellow halos, then one stem turned yellowish-green. Nursery said water every 2 weeks; reader switched to weekly. Hard water, 80°F summer/68°F winter, indirect north window light.

Diagnosis & Regimen

• Brown tips: Fluoride/chlorine in tap water. Use distilled water only.
• Yellowing stem: Overwatering. Soil stays wet too long.
• Correct watering: Water thoroughly with distilled water until soil fully moist. Let drain overnight (no saucer). Do not water again until pot feels very light (bone dry)—likely 2–3 weeks.
• Light: Bright indirect (north/east window), no direct sun.
• Moisture meter: $12 tool confirms wet/dry status deep in pot.

Current heavy pot = wet bottom. Stop watering until light.