New Dracaena

[Newt]

Hi Bkwilson,

If you've had the plant for a year it is probably rootbound.* If you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or can see them through the drainage holes, it's time to repot.* you can also check by gently lifing it out of the pot.* If it needs a new pot use one that is 2" larger.* Here's how to repot your plant.
http://www.ourgardengang.com/containerpotting.htm

Newt

[bkwilson]

ok thanks newt, It seems to be bound. Also upon removing the plant from its pot. I noticed that the roots went straight down and into the drainage hole. I had to cut it lose. Will this put it into a shock stage?* This is a dragon tree with one main stock and 3 nice splits on it. How long will it take to start growing taller do you have any ideas? And once its potted into a permanent pot im sure it will still end up* root bound sooner or later, will this keep it from continueing to grow?

[Newt]

Bkwilson, you are very welcome!* Cutting the roots that were sticking out of the drainage holes won't be a problem.* They tend to get dry and need to be cut off anyway.* It shouldn't harm the plant or make it grow slower.* Do tease out the outer roots when you repot.
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=70

It will take a couple of months before you see much growth, if any.* The plant will concentrate on establishing it's roots again.* These plants tend to grow slowly, especially in low light.* Expect to repot in another year or 18 months.* Sometimes with larger plants you can wait 2 years or more to repot.

When you say 'dragon tree' I'm thinking you mean Dracaena marginata.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/i...marginata.html

Newt

[bkwilson]

similar to that but mine has the real long green leaves that have the red lining on the outside edge. the stalk looks like a dried out bamboo. Ive heard these plants get upto 10 feet OH YEAH cant wait. thanks again for the help!!

[Newt]

If you click on the picture at that site you will see the redish stripes on the outer edges of the leaves.*

Glad I could help!
Newt