Question
Hi Darlene-

I asked you about another house plant of mine a few weeks ago and your information was very helpful.  I am surprised to be back asking you about different house plant!  I have a Dragon tree that is in a one gallon container.  The leaves are yellowing and falling off.  in fact one stock(?) is completely bare from leaves.  I am not sure if I need to report it or what.  I have been keeping the soil moist and making sure that any water does not pool up under the pot, but I am not sure what I am doing wrong.  The symptoms just started about two weeks ago and it look awful now.  What do you reccommend?

Thanks! Shannon

Answer
Shannon,

It sounds like it is getting too much water. Who told you to keep the soil moist? It likes to dry out for a few days betweern waterings. When mine is in the house in the summer it gets watered only once a week. It is outdoors right now in a shady lacation and I water it every 3 days. In the winter it gets watered every 2 weeks. The roots like a dry period between waterings so they can breath. If it has dry  periods it will stay healthy. The one stalk that doesn't have any leaves will start growing leaves at the top. The lower portions will not grow leaves but it could send out side shoots. This plant is actually a tree and if planted in the ground in a tropical ared it can become as large as an oak tree. Good luck with yours.

                                      Darlene

Shannon,

Unfortunately the care tags that come with some plants are wrong. This plant needs more water if it gets more light. That's why it needs water more often outdoors. This time of year it does not get much light indoors because the sun is high in the sly and doesn't shine in windows much. Cut back on the water but don't repot it yet.  Let it dry out and get a lot healthier over the winter. Fertilize it once a month. Make sure it gets bright light. Repot it in the spring, after April 15th. then move it to a 10 inch diameter pot. Good luck again.

                                 Darlene