mealybugs on Dracaena Fragrans
Quick answer
If your Dracaena Fragrans has mealybugs, the most likely cause is: Dracaena fragrans attracts sap-sucking pests such as mealybugs and scale insects that settle on the foliage and along the leaf bases, draining sap and leaving sticky residue. Infestations are most likely when indoor air is dry or the plant is otherwise stressed, so weekly leaf inspection is the first line of defence.
Start here:
- 1. Inspect the foliage of Dracaena fragrans regularly and wipe mealybugs and scale insects off the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent rubbing alcohol.
- 2. Rinse the entire plant under a gentle stream of lukewarm water to dislodge remaining pests, paying attention to the leaf bases where they hide.
Why Dracaena Fragrans gets mealybugs
dracaena fragrans
Dracaena fragrans attracts sap-sucking pests such as mealybugs and scale insects that settle on the foliage and along the leaf bases, draining sap and leaving sticky residue. Infestations are most likely when indoor air is dry or the plant is otherwise stressed, so weekly leaf inspection is the first line of defence.
How to reverse mealybugs on Dracaena Fragrans
- 1
Inspect the foliage of Dracaena fragrans regularly and wipe mealybugs and scale insects off the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent rubbing alcohol.
- 2
Rinse the entire plant under a gentle stream of lukewarm water to dislodge remaining pests, paying attention to the leaf bases where they hide.
- 3
Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for three to four weeks so that newly hatched crawlers are killed before they re-establish.
Keep mealybugs off this Dracaena Fragrans
Keep the foliage clean by wiping leaves occasionally, maintain steady humidity around the Dracaena fragrans with a pebble tray and misting, and inspect new plants for hitchhiking pests before placing them next to an existing corn plant.