mini Dracaena getting leggy

3 years ago

hi people!

this little plant is one of my favorites. (I think these are called "Sunray" dracaenas.) So, the top 3 parts seem to be growing faster than the bottom part. It looks a little odd.

Is this bc there isn't enough light? (My location choices are limited. It is either this North-facing window, or an enclosed South one in which it might get cooked.)

Other than moving it to fix the light issues, is there anything else to be done?

Featured Answer

CA Kate z9

3 years ago

This looks correct to me. I think I remember that they are floppy top growth and that is the look that is wanted.

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Comments (6)

Drvongirlstitches
3 years ago
I have two and that’s just what they do. i think that shape is cool & quirky.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Drvongirlstitches
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41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)
3 years ago
More sun will help.
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked 41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
3 years ago
Agree with the 3 previous comments. I have that same angel!!
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
"So, the top 3 parts seem to be growing faster than the bottom part. It looks a little odd." How the plant is growing is completely normal. When you terminate (cut the end off) a stem/ branch, that stem/branch becomes incapable of extending (growing longer), forever. This is because extension growth (growing longer) occurs in a region at the end of the branch called the 'apical meristem' or 'apex'. Remove the apical meristem/ apex and you eliminate the stem/branch's ability to elongate. You can clearly see this fact by looking at your plant. The apex was removed from the original stem/trunk, which stopped it's ability to grow longer. If your plant lives for 100 years, the point where the original trunk was pruned will be the same ht as it is now - it won't/can't grow taller, it can only grow thicker.

When you cut the end off of a stem/branch, it stops the flow of a chemical/ growth regulator (auxin) which is synthesized primarily in its apex. This chemical suppresses branching below the a apex until the apex is removed. At the point in time when it's removed, branches are stimulated to grow behind or below the pruning cut. This is why the 3 branches occurred just below the pruning cit on the original stem.

If you don't like the long, leggy look of the 3 branches, you can just shorten them. All 3 branches will produce 1 or more branches from just below where you prune. If the pattern of producing 3 branches from below the cut holds, you would end up with 9 branches instead of 3. If you want to do this and want a plan you can follow to ensure the best results, just ask and I'll help you. It was already done once to the plant when it was a cutting or after it was rooted, as you should now be able to see. It would look best if you cut the 3 branches to 3 different heights.

Al
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal) thanked tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
Need2SeeGreen 10 (SoCal)
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks, Al! Thanks everyone! Sorry for the late reply, things got away from me, and I thought I hadn't posted this yet. (It was still on my To Do list.)

That's a very intriguing suggestion, Al. I am going to have to think about it. Actually technically I gave this plant to someone else, though I do the watering. Food for thought!!