Diagnosing Blackening Leaves on Dracaena Varieties

Likely Root Rot

Blackening leaves on Dracaena (Corn Plant, 'Janet Craig', 'Warneckei') usually indicate root rot from overwatering or poor drainage.

Critical Info Needed

Email to wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com:

1. Plant height and pot diameter.
2. Photo of whole plant in pot.
3. Have you ever repotted? When?
4. Are they indoors (air-conditioned) or outside in Miami heat?
5. Watering frequency and amount.

Immediate Checks

• Unpot one plant. Healthy roots: firm, white/cream. Rotted: brown/black, mushy, foul smell.
• If roots are rotted, remove all black roots, repot in smaller pot with fresh soilless mix, water sparingly.
• Orthenex is a pesticide, not a fungicide—won't fix rot.

Dracaenas need bright indirect light, thorough watering only when top 1/3 of soil is dry, and pots not much larger than the root ball.