Identification Help: Can anyone identify this beautiful plant

[azhomeguy]

Hi

My gf and I received this plant about two weeks ago as a gift. We love it. And I've been maintaining it along with the rest of our plants. But, it's looking more unhealthy every day, and I really want to help it revive. I don't know what kind of plant it is, or the most proper maintanance. I would really appreciate your info on the type of plant and if possible, info on properly caring for it.

Thanks a million!

[terrestrial_man]

Your plant appears to be Dracaena fragans.
Here is a link that will help you.
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1504.htm
Have you exposed your plant to direct sunlight? That is what it looks like from what I can see of the leaves. Check the above site for culture.

[Weekend Gardener]

Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana". The "fragrans" refers to the fragrant flowers it produces.

Once established in a consistent set of condition, it can usually stay happy for long periods. It needs indirect bright light, good humidity, moderately watering and temperatures of 20 to 30C, and never below 15C for prolonged periods (although mine went through a period with temperatures down to 10C for a short period).

However, they are very sensitive to sudden changes of growing condition, particularly humidity. Which is the exact problem when you bring one home from the nursery green house. You are not likely to kill it, but some of the leaves will dry off. Just trim off the unsightly leaves, provide as much humidity as you can (put the pot into a water tight container - in the bottom of the container, layer with 2-3 inch of gravel and add water up to the top of this layer. Keep the gravel under water all the time.) Fiind a spot with indirect light (never direct sunlight) where it will not be subject to sudden cold drafts. Once you have found the spot for it, try not to move it. Water well, then allow the potting media to go slightly dry before watering again (I water when the surface of the soil feels and looks dry).

(Our plant reached a height of 15 feet indoors before we had to give it away!)

Here is an excellent webpage on dracaenia: http://www.briansgarden.com/houseplants/030211h.html

[azhomeguy]

Thank you so much. I will study this more now. About how much water and how often?

You guys are great!

[Weekend Gardener]

Here is what I would do: soak the soil thoroughly, until water runs out of the drainage holes. Discard the run-off - do not allow the pot to stand in water. I will then wait, until the soil feels dry in the top layer. Then repeat the process. You will find that it will require more frequent watering when then temperatures are high, but less frequent when it's cool - i.e., in winter. Bigger plants will also need more frequent watering.