Repotting: Dragon tree

Hi guys

I'm looking to repot my madagascar dragon tree, it is currently in a pot (indoors) which has a hole in the bottom it has a tray to catch the water,

the new planter i have is fibreglass and has no drainage holes, i'm concerned about drainage will a layer of gravel across the bottom be ok? if so how thick should the layer be?

Also its not doing that well at the moment a number of the leaves have turned yellow like its been over watered yet the soil is bone dry, any ideas what could be causing this?

pete

 

Pete, the pot needs a drainage hole otherwise it`s not going to drain. By using gravel you are just going to have water at the roots all the time. And, I would say, thet the leaves are turning yellow because the plant wants watering. Take it outside and give it a good soaking. When it`s drained bring it back indoors. I don`t mean right now, leave it till tomorrow. :D

 

Hi David

Managed to get a pot to go inside the planter, put a stack of tiles beneath the pot so drainage should be ok now

I'm really confused the soil is dry yet the leaves are yellowing from the tips rather than the base, I've read guides which say this is a symptom of over watering, seem to be loosing at least two big leaves per day at the minute :(

 

Believe it or not Pete, the symptoms for overwatering are exactly the same for under watering. So it could be either, or it could be the plant is in a draught.

 

Thanks David, i gave the plant a good soaking last night so fingers crossed

One question I want to put a layer of white gravel over the top of the soil will this cause any problems?

 

I don`t think so, Pete, if anything it`s going to act as a mulch, stopping the compost from drying out too quickly.

 

The thing to remember when putting a covering on top is that it is then difficult to know if the compost has dried out, so you will have to part it now and then to check on the dryness but it can give the plant a more attractive appearance.

 

Thanks guys,

returned home from work and all seems well no more yellow leaves, thanks again