---
title: "I got this dracaena about a month ago. It’s sitting in a plastic pot…"
description: "I got this dracaena about a month ago. It’s sitting in a plastic pot with holes in a catch pot. I didn’t know the last time it had been watered and the soil…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/gEqeLo02UeP2lSsFW2Sn9T"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Molly M"
published: "2026-03-23T18:35:09.488607Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/1p70LFALGElkNMHqNhT0FjWNiDrRTvFEB95aawgISbE/go59aoqpTpafxgPcEW583Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# I got this dracaena about a month ago. It’s sitting in a plastic pot…

_Posted by Molly M on 2026-03-23_

I got this dracaena about a month ago. It’s sitting in a plastic pot with holes in a catch pot. I didn’t know the last time it had been watered and the soil was dry so I watered it. The leaves are now yellowing and falling off each day for the last month :( my water meter says it’s pretty dry now but leaves continue to yellow and fall off. Please help!!!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/1p70LFALGElkNMHqNhT0FjWNiDrRTvFEB95aawgISbE/go59aoqpTpafxgPcEW583Q.webp?size=large)

## 11 comments

### V Bug commented on 2026-03-23

Have you tried to give it plant food (eg: miracle grow)?

#### Molly M replied on 2026-03-23

Yes! When I last watered it

### V Bug commented on 2026-03-23

Hmmm, do you know what light levels that plant likes?

#### Molly M replied on 2026-03-23

Part sun which is what it’s getting

### SuccySuccy commented on 2026-03-23

Pretty normal for the lower leaves to brown and fall off, at least with mine.

#### Molly M replied on 2026-03-23

Multiple everyday?

#### SuccySuccy replied on 2026-03-23

Until it’s acclimated to its new hope he might be a little unhappy. From what I can see your guy looks good! I wouldn’t stress unless it continues after a few weeks

### JMD commented on 2026-03-23

Is it still in the same soil \& plastic pot with drainage from the previous owner? Most plants need only a month to become accustomed to the new indoor location and temperature, then it should be repotted into a new pot (a few inches bigger) with drainage and new soil for roots to have room.

### Rose commented on 2026-03-23

This could be the plant acclimating to the new space if it’s been less than a month or two.

It could also have root rot from the previous owner. Root rot can happen from underwatering too. If the roots go a really long time with no water, they dry up and can’t absorb water as well. When the next big drink of water comes, they can’t absorb it all, and they start to rot.

I would repot her and check the root health. If there’s mushy/damaged roots, trim them off and spritz the ends with diluted IPA to prevent further rotting.

Also make sure there’s never standing water in the cache pot. Always repot based on the size of the roots, not the size of the plant.

You can do this 💪🏻

#### Rose replied on 2026-03-23

Also moisture meters are bs. Water never soaks evenly through the soil. There will almost always be dry pockets. You won’t get an accurate reading. Best way to do it is to just feel the topsoil with your hands.

#### HanLew replied on 2026-03-24

I was thinking of root rot as well.

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