Dracaena root rot

Healthy dracaena roots are not always white. Cut roots because they are collapsed, mushy, or shedding their covering, not solely because of their color.

Inspect after wet-soil decline

Unpot when yellowing and wilt continue in wet mix or the cane softens. Remove damaged roots with clean tools, discard decomposed mix, and choose a clean draining pot that fits the healthy roots left.

If the cane is rotten at the base, a firm top or cane cutting beyond the damage may be saved. Root it in lightly moist propagation mix in warmth and indirect light. A soft original cane cannot be restored with fertilizer.