brown spots on Dracaena
Quick answer
If your Dracaena has brown spots, the most likely cause is: Armored scale insects (Aspidiotus spp.) appear as small, flaky brown or tan bumps on Dracaena leaves and stems. They suck sap, causing localized brown spots, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. These 'spots' can be nudged off with a fingernail, unlike fungal lesions.
Start here:
- 1. Manually remove visible scales using a cotton swab dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol.
- 2. Treat the entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3-4 weeks to kill crawlers (juveniles).
Why Dracaena gets brown spots
Dracaena spp.
Armored scale insects (Aspidiotus spp.) appear as small, flaky brown or tan bumps on Dracaena leaves and stems. They suck sap, causing localized brown spots, yellowing, and eventual leaf drop. These 'spots' can be nudged off with a fingernail, unlike fungal lesions.
How to reverse brown spots on Dracaena
- 1
Manually remove visible scales using a cotton swab dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol.
- 2
Treat the entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly for 3-4 weeks to kill crawlers (juveniles).
- 3
For severe infestations, use systemic granules containing imidacloprid in the soil.
Keep brown spots off this Dracaena
Increase air circulation and avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which attracts sap-suckers. Wipe leaves monthly with a damp cloth to detect early hitchhikers.