Always consider nearby heat sources that could dry out plants
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Q. Many of the leaves on my large, main Dracaena plant suddenly began turning brown and falling off, while a younger, cutting-grown plant raised up on a window shelf has been unaffected. Online research indicates this could be due to over- or under-watering, but I haven’t changed my usual watering pattern at all.
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A. A general guideline is to cut back on watering in winter as long as other growing conditions are constant. The lower light levels of winter cause the plants to use less water — unless a room is very hot.
I’m wondering whether the heat in the room was increased during a recent period of colder weather. Hot, dry conditions can cause leaves to dry and discolour. They would also dry the soil faster. Sticking a finger into the soil, or lifting the pot to sense whether it is lighter than usual is another useful guide to watering.
The cutting-grown plant possibly benefited from its position raised away from a heat source and beside a cool window.
A. Although I try new varieties almost every year, I do have a roster of easy-growing reliables that remain favourites. Caraflex is an early, sweet and tender cabbage with pointed heads in the “sweetheart” cabbage style. It has an RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Award of Garden Merit. Early Jersey Wakefield is a similar cabbage. It’s an heirloom variety, first grown in 1840.
I’m fond also of Kalibos, a pointed red cabbage that is both beautiful and sweet. Shredded finely, this cabbage brightens and adds nutrition to salads and is tasty when sautéed with butter and ginger.