massangeana troubles?

[ina]

I got a massangeana as a present several weeks ago but I am afraid I am not taking proper care of the plant since its leaves started drying out and turning dark brown. Even the new leaves have some brown dots and lines. I thought the problem was the dry air at home but I am concerned that I might have actually overwatered the plant. I kept its pot in a pan constantly filled with water for several days in a row until a friend of mine told me that I probably should not be doing so. I immeadiately drained the water and have stopped watering it since then but the soil remains wet and the leaves keep turning brown. Do you think I might have dammaged the root system and shall I try to replant/repot it? If yes, what is the proper way to replant it? This is the first plant ever that I am taking care of and I really don't want it to die.

Thanks to all who reply.

[Newt]

Hi Ina,
Your friend is correct. In general houseplants should not sit in a saucer of water for more than an hour. What you need to do is dry out the soil. If the soil is still wet now and it has been more than 3 days since you drained the water, I would suggest you try repotting in new soil. Take it out of the pot, and remove as much of the soil as possible and repot. Take a look here.

http://www.ourgardengang.com/houseplants.htm
http://www.dracaena.com/Massangeana.asp

Hope this helps,
Newt