---
title: "Help!! I don’t know what kind of plant this is and I’m trying to save…"
description: "Help!! I don’t know what kind of plant this is and I’m trying to save it I was gifted it because previous owner knew it was dying! What does the white on the…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/3ddDn1mcRg6n9HfFbQCZUQ"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Plants"
published: "2024-08-15T19:12:58.447748Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/MvZrtC6NAPPxq7F2fT0wqBK62lr8uqRrw5oTpe2PYYU/90blkgj6QMemCWywDXfo7Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help!! I don’t know what kind of plant this is and I’m trying to save…

_Posted by Plants on 2024-08-15_

Help!! I don’t know what kind of plant this is and I’m trying to save it I was gifted it because previous owner knew it was dying! What does the white on the soil mean? Can I save it? I need all the tips

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/MvZrtC6NAPPxq7F2fT0wqBK62lr8uqRrw5oTpe2PYYU/90blkgj6QMemCWywDXfo7Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/MvZrtC6NAPPxq7F2fT0wqBK62lr8uqRrw5oTpe2PYYU/zwpyR0buTaKYRoYpQp-q6A.webp?size=large)

## 13 comments

### Sunny commented on 2024-08-15

It’s a Dracaena Deremensis based on the leaf colors. That’s fungus on the soil. It thrives on wet soil, but, not necessarily bad for the plant. Unfortunately, wet soil attracts tiny fungus gnats and can rotten the roots. Let the soil dry out before watering again. It could be over watering or inconsistent watering causing the plant to look like it is dying.

#### Plants replied on 2024-08-15

Thank you this is super helpful! Is there anything I need to do to get rid of the fungus?

### Green Witch commented on 2024-08-15

I was told the white is build up of minerals from the water you use, is that wrong?

#### eatyacarbs replied on 2024-08-15

that can also happen — in this photo though it’s fungus

#### Green Witch replied on 2024-08-15

Ok

#### Plants replied on 2024-08-15

Do you know what I can do to get rid of the fungus?

#### eatyacarbs replied on 2024-08-15

scoop it out, sprinkle some cinnamon. if you’ve never repotted this i would do that. less peat, more perlite and organic matter like fine orchid bark

#### Sunny replied on 2024-08-16

You have to look closely. White fungus can look fuzzy, cottony or have fine webbing that helps the fungus spread on the soil and onto the plant. See my pic.

Mineral build up tends to look like hard water deposits that is sometimes chalky and becomes crusty in the drainage tray, on the topsoil and under the pot.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wefqOljjhEOiS9LRzOB1-QhxkVJiB4A5DGumXhnNrhs/YxMWJU3LTIKa1NlxjrrQIw.webp?size=large)

### Angel commented on 2024-08-15

I think our plants are the same or similar. I got mine sitting on my house procrastinating going in and some of my neighbours were about to throw it in the bin because it was dead,dying,too far gone. I simply repotted it in fresh soil (poor baby had like half a pot full and was tipping over) gave water and love (literally speaking to it, willing it on) after a few weeks the brown leaves came off super easy, kind of like when an apples ready to be picked. And then saw new growth.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QkDgoKPF4U5Hw3L6_DOgwFliK3XjRslh2D52eYvS680/lEF84n0_QHONOanDaZCL5A.webp?size=large)

#### Angel replied on 2024-08-15

When I got him

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QkDgoKPF4U5Hw3L6_DOgwFliK3XjRslh2D52eYvS680/8jcXgACNS6CQ99eTmU8ZNg.webp?size=large)

#### Plants replied on 2024-08-15

If repotting is necessary what soil do you recommend?

#### Angel replied on 2024-08-16

Mine just really needed it, possibly a good idea for yours due to the top of soil mouldy stuff. I use house plant potting mix

#### Angel replied on 2024-08-16

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QkDgoKPF4U5Hw3L6_DOgwFliK3XjRslh2D52eYvS680/j41ClxLST2SzqJwcEwT_Rw.webp?size=large)

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