Fluoride or salts in tap water, or dry air. Water with filtered or distilled water; raise humidity slightly.

Yellow drooping leaves

Overwatering. Let the soil dry well between waterings and check drainage.

Bare canes, foliage only at the top

Normal habit, or low light. It naturally drops lower leaves; brighten the spot and prune to force branching.

Too little light. Move somewhere brighter (still indirect).

Houseplants

An architectural, spiky-topped tree that tolerates low light and neglect. Sensitive to fluoride in tap water.

The free tool tailors timing to your climate and lets you save this plant.

Light

Medium light

Where to put it

Medium to bright indirect light; tolerates lower light but grows slower and pales. Keep out of direct sun.

Watering

Every 2–3 weeks, less in winter.

Soil mix

Well-draining potting mix with some perlite.

Pot

Any pot with drainage; it is slow and happy snug.

Repotting

Every 2–3 years; tall canes can be top-heavy, so a heavier pot helps.

Propagation

Cut a cane section and root it in water or moist mix; the cut parent usually resprouts below the cut.

Pets

Toxic to pets if eaten.

Brown leaf tips. Fluoride or salts in tap water, or dry air. Water with filtered or distilled water; raise humidity slightly.
Yellow drooping leaves. Overwatering. Let the soil dry well between waterings and check drainage.
Bare canes, foliage only at the top. Normal habit, or low light. It naturally drops lower leaves; brighten the spot and prune to force branching.
Pale, washed-out leaves. Too little light. Move somewhere brighter (still indirect).