Brown Leaves at the Top of a Dracaena Plant

Moisture

• Brown tips at the edges of the leaves are often caused by dry conditions, particularly in houseplants during the winter months. Simply watering the plant more might not be enough to cure the brown leaves. Instead, try placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles. Fill the tray partially full with water. The water will evaporate slowly, increasing humidity around the plant. Just make sure the soil in the pot doesn't sit in the water, which can cause root rot. You can also mist the leaves with a spray bottle filled with water. Let the soil become dry to the touch between waterings.

Fertilizer

• Excess fertilizer might also be at the root of your problems. Too much fertilizer can burn the leaves, causing them to become yellow or brown. Like most houseplants, dracaenas need more plant food during the spring and summer months, when they're actively growing. Fertilize them monthly during this time with a dilute solution of liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer, at a rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon of water, or according to package directions. In the fall and winter, growth slows in response to less light. Dracaenas need little, if any, fertilizer during this time. If you suspect overfertilizing has caused the brown leaves, water the plant thoroughly to leach the fertilizer out of the soil.

Fluoride

• Dracaenas are easily damaged by excess fluoride, which may be found in your water. The leaves become yellow at the tips, or you may notice dead or scorched areas. Avoid using perlite potting soils, because they create an acidic growing environment, which exacerbates the problem. Avoid using superphosphate fertilizers as well, which can contain fluorine.

Pests and Diseases

• Dracaenas rarely suffer from disease or insect problems, but they are prone to root rots in soggy, poorly draining soil. You'll probably notice more than brown tips, though, if root rot is the problem. This disease causes a foul odor and the entire plant usually collapses. If you notice white webbing, wilted leaves or clusters of growths along the stems, you may have mites or scale insects. Wash the plant with a steady stream of water, or spray the leaves and stems liberally with ready-to-use insecticidal oil or soap. Use a product designed for houseplants, and follow the directions carefully.