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Drooping on dracaena

dracaena with drooping

What's Happening

Basal stem rot, often caused by fungal pathogens like Fusarium thriving in waterlogged soil. This results in a 'sudden collapse' where a seemingly healthy head falls over or the trunk becomes soft and squishy. Unlike root rot, this directly affects the vascular transport in the main stem.

How to Fix It

  1. 1

    Squeeze the trunk: if soft or squishy, rot has set in. Prune all mushy parts back to firm, healthy tissue.

  2. 2

    If the main trunk is still firm but a head has collapsed, remove the head; new 'pups' or heads often sprout from the healthy stem within 2-4 months.

  3. 3

    Disinfect tools with 70% isopropyl alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading the fungus.

How to Prevent It

Allow the top 50-75% of soil to dry before watering. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Use a chunky aroid-style mix to ensure oxygen reaches the root-stem junction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes drooping on my plant?
Basal stem rot, often caused by fungal pathogens like Fusarium thriving in waterlogged soil. This results in a 'sudden collapse' where a seemingly healthy head falls over or the trunk becomes soft and...
How do I fix drooping?
Squeeze the trunk: if soft or squishy, rot has set in. Prune all mushy parts back to firm, healthy tissue.. If the main trunk is still firm but a head has collapsed, remove the head; new 'pups' or heads often sprout from the healthy stem within 2-4 months..
How do I prevent drooping from happening again?
Allow the top 50-75% of soil to dry before watering. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Use a chunky aroid-style mix to ensure oxygen reaches the root-stem junction.