Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener: Janet Craig Dracaena Help, 1 by ChiPlanter28

ChiPlanter28 wrote:
Hello, I’d very much like some guidance for a troubled Janet Craig Dracaena. I bought this beautiful plant in 2019 and it’s been growing healthily up until about 3 months ago when I noticed a large number of brown leaves, yellow/brown leaves, and yellow-tipped/spotted leaves. Since then, many leaves have completely died and the die-off has continued.

It has always been potted in some kind of well-draining mixture (not sure) topped with lava rock. I water it when the top 2 inches of the soil mixture (not including lava rock) is dry. This usually amounts to once a week or a little longer depending on the season. I use a wooden skewer to measure the soil saturation level. I used to use tap water until the die-off began and then switched to filtered water from the fridge dispenser. When watering, I place the plant in a deep saucer atop a container lid so it doesn’t sit in water and when it’s done draining, I place it back into its normal saucer. It never sits in water. I use about 750 ml of water and pour it slowly around for even distribution.

The plant sits in the corner of a well-lit west-facing living room so it does receive a fair amount of light but never direct sunlight.

It has never been repotted and I noticed just today that the root system (large root system?) is clearly visible through the drainage holes. So I wonder if the die-off is a sign that it needs to be repotted. If this is the case, do I wait until spring to repot?

Last thing to note is that the die-off is taking place more in the larger stalks than the smaller ones.

Please help if you can. I have attached pictures.